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"NEAR BY 



)) 



Fresh and Salt Water Fishing, 



OR 



Angling Within a Radius of One Hundred 
Miles of Philadelphia. 

where to go; when to go; how to go. 

BY 

A. M.' SPANGLER, 

President of the Anglers' Association of Eastern Pennsylvania. 



WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, 



PHILADELPHIA, 




1889. 






Copyrighted, 1889, by A. M. Spangler. 



PRESS OF SPANGLER & DAVIS, 529 COMMERCE ST., PHILADELPHIA. 



TO THE READER. 



The love of fishing is innate, and may be said to be almost universal. 
There are very few memories connected with our earlier experiences, that are 
recalled with more real jileasure than those referring to the days when, as boys, 
we went a-fishing. Such recollections afford the keenest enjoyment, when 
others, relating to incidents which, at tll^ time of their happening, seemed far 
more worthy of being treasured up in our mental storehouses, are forgotten or 
dimly remembered. Such pleasant reminiscences have been the inspiration of 
these pages, and they are given to the world with the sincere hope that any who 
may chance to peruse them will derive as much satisfaction from their perusal 
as the author has had in their preparation. 

That fishing is indulged to a much greater extent to-da}?^ than ever before, 
will not be questioned. There is a fascination about it that is almost irresisti- 
ble, which, when coupled with the facts that the facilities for reaching localities 
where lure-taking fishes are to be found have been much increased, and the de- 
vices by which they can be tempted and taken, multiplied and made so much 
more effective than formerly, readily explains the growing popularity of ang- 
ling. That there is need for this increasing indulgence in an innocent, alluring 
and healthful recreation is clearly obvious. We are a busy, go-ahead people, 
ever eager in the pursuit of wealth or fame, and, consequently, unmindful, in 
a large degree, of the many sources of enjoyment A^ouchsafed us by a kind 
pro\4dence. We are too apt, in the unremitting ardor with which we pursue 
our various callings, to overlook or forget such blessings, excusing our folly 
and forgetfulness, and placating our consciences with the self-promise, that, 
when fortune or fame, or both shall have been won, the drudgery of the past 
will be laid aside, and the remainder of our lives devoted to rational, health- 
giving and joy-promoting pursuits. 

The change from lifelong pursuits to those of inactivity, brings with it not 
simply ennui, but worse, pains and penalties that might have been avoided had 
an occasional day's fishing or some other outing that Avould have brought these 
toilers in direct contact with nature in the woods and by the streams, been 
indulged. 

Somebody once wisely said to somebody else, ' ' All work and no plaj- makes 
Jack a dull boy. ' ' Nature has her revenges as well as her rewards. Don't for- 
get that. She will not permit infringements of her laws without imposing pen- 
alties. She may prove lenient, and deal gently with you, but the chances are, 
she will demand and exact the full penalty of her bond from you. Believe that 



this world of ours is full of eujoymeut, if you vnll but avail yourself of it, and 
that it will revolve, whether your shoulder is under it or not. Do not wait until 
age, with its infirmities has come upon you, to lay aside your labors. What 
shall it profit you, if you gain the wealth of the world after having toiled like 
a galley-slave for it, and then find yourself a physical wreck, without either 
capacity or inclination for the enjoyment you had Ijeen looking for through 
all those long wearying years. 

There are thousands of persons, who, having only an occasional holiday, 
would gladly indulge in a day's outing with rod and reel accompaniment, if 
they but knew where to go, when to go and how to go where there would be 
a reasonable probability of finding fish. A Directory for " Near-by" Fishing, 
by which is meant, angling within a radius of an hundred miles of Philadel- 
phia, has been a long acknowledged want, and it was T^^thJl view to meeting 
that want, this little volume was written, mtli the hope that the information it 
contains would benefit somebody. 

It is not claimed for its contents that they are in any sense technical or 
scientific, or that they describe only game fishes and their whereabouts, for such 
is not the fact ; though it does embrace all the fishes of that class in "near-by " 
territory. 

While the skilled, scientific angler, may possibly find in it something to inter- 
est him, the information sought to be imparted is intended for the benefit of the 
many, whose knowledge of the subjects treated is limited, and who are at a loss 
to know where to apply for such advice as they desire and need. What 
they want to know is, something about the habits and qualities of "near-by " 
fresh and salt water fishes, where they are usually" found, when they can lawfully 
be taken, how to reach their haunts and the kind of tackle and bait requisite 
to tempt and capture them. That is all there is of it, and that is all that 
has been attempted. 

While much that is given is the result of the author's oaati observation and 
experience, due acknowledgment is herewith made of indebtedness to Thad- 
deus Norris's "American Angler's Book;" Professor Spencer C. Baird ; Clark's 
" Fishes of the East Atlantic Coast ; " Scott's " Fishing in American Waters ; " 
Goode's "American Fishes," and Henshall's "Book of the Black Bass," for 
valuable information. 

Indulging the hope that this Imntling of some of the author's leisure hours 
will fulfil the intention of its preparation ; that it will somewhat aid amateurs 
in their endeavors to become skilful anglers, and that veterans will find in it 
something to interest and amuse, if not instruct, it is respectfully dedicated to 
them all. 

Philadelphia, May 20, 1889. A. M. S. 



''NEAR-BY" 
FRESH AND SALT WATER FISHING. 



FRESH WATER FISHES. 



The Past and Present of Angeing. 

THE time was, and not very long since either, when there were 
comparatively few amateur anglers or rod- and- reel fishermen 
in Philadelphia. The men who indulged in that healthful and 
pleasant recreation in this city twenty-five years ago, could almost 
have been counted on your fingers. Fishing tackle was then of 
primitive order, rods generally being of whole-stick bamboo, reels 
almost unknown and coarse cotton or hempen lines, poorly made 
and very kinky, instead of the fine cable-laid and braided silk and 
flax ones of to-da3^ 

Near-by Fishing Twenty-five Years Ago. 

Fishing in those days was confined mainly to waters within a 
few miles of the city, and most of it done with the now almost 
abandoned and unsportsmanlike hand-line. Here and there could 
be found some ardent lover of piscatorial sport who had the means, 
the time and the pluck, to venture across the sands of New Jersey 
to the seashore, but the rank and file were forced to content them- 
selves with such sport as could be had in the Delaware and Schuyl- 



kill and their near tributaries, where the}^ found perch, striped 
bass, "catties," sunfish and a few other kinds. In those days, 
fish were more abundant in the waters named than now, so that 
those anglers, primitive as w^as their tackle, w^ould generally bring 
home good, big strings. 

A Step in Advance. 

With the advent of railroads and steamers, came, of course, in- 
creased facilities for reaching more distant fishing points. The in- 
choate anglers in the near-b}- streams, began to learn something 
about the superior attractions of those more distant waters, of the 
larger fish and the larger catches. Thaddeus Norris and a few 
others, took the ground that angling was an art, and wrote and 
spoke of it as something worthy of cultivation, and of the rod and 
reel as vital essentials to the proper prosecution of it. Converts to 
their advanced doctrines w^ere not immediateh' numerous, but that 
fact, instead of discouraging, only seemed to incite to greater effort. 
They were of course ridiculed by the old-timers — those who clung 
to the hand-line and the unjointed bamboo rod. The idea of taking 
fish with devices that would give them a chance for their lives 
and, at the same time, afford the angler the sport of "playing" 
before landing them, was regarded with a feeling akin to contempt, 
and the few who eschewed the old and adopted the new devices 
were known only as "fancy fishermen. " 

Rod and ReeIv Encroachments on the Hand Line. 

As skill in the use of the rod and reel and in casting, has 
generally to be acquired b}- experience, those who adopted what 
was then regarded as innovations, were at first, awkward in the 
use of them, usually unsuccessful, and, of course, laughed at by 
their less progressive brother fishermen. The w^riter remembers 
well, a da^^'s perch fishing at Betterton, some twenty years ago, 



with that veteran angler and author, Thaddeus Norris, who, on 
that occasion, fished in those deep waters with so much less labor 
and w4th so much more success than I with the hand line and 
half-pound dipsy, I was led to think that, notwithstanding my oft 
expressed prejudices, there was, after all, something in rod fishing 
worth cultivating. When my companion — who, by-the-by, was 
the best rod-maker in the country — kindl}^ offered to present me 
with a rod of his own manufacture, the offer was gladly accepted, 
and then and there, as far as I w^as personally concerned, the hand- 
line was discarded forever, though m}^ first experience with the 
rod and reel was anything else than encouraging. The line would 
overrun and become almost hopelessl}^ entangled, and just w^hen 
the fish were biting most vigorously, my beard, which was then 
of the flowing order, would get wound up with the line. I handled 
the new tackle pretty much as a lady would a marlinspike, but 
perseverance conquers all things, and perseverance was finally re- 
warded with success. 

Improvements in Tackle. 

Gradually, but certainly, the rod and reel continued to grow 
in popular favor. The long, heavy, unwieldy, unjointed bamboos 
were superseded by the shorter, more flexible jointed ones, the 
weight being reduced until the minimum of the standard is to-day 
less than six ounces, the prices ranging from fifty, cents to five 
hundred dollars. The ill-constructed brass reels of those days have 
given wa}' to others of the most ingenious construction and ela- 
borate finish, costing anywhere from one dollar to fifty or sixty. 
The coarse cotton or hempen lines then in use have been laid 
aside, except in out-of-the-wa}^ localities, and in their stead are the 
lighter, more costly and splendidly made silk and flax braided and 
cable-laid ones. In a word, there has been an almost entire revo- 
lution in anglers' outfits. They can be had of every qualit}^ and, 
of course, at almost every price, the quality and cost depending 
upon the taste and purse of the purchaser. 



Largk Varikty of Modern Tacrine. 

Twenty-five years ago, the stock of fishing tackle kept on hand 
in the most extensive estabUshments in that Hne, was comprised 
mainly of a small assortment of roughly-made and poorh'- tempered 
hooks, lines of indifferent quality, gailj^-colored floats and a bundle 
or two of bamboo rods of various sizes, just as they came from the 
jungles in which they were grown. Now, fishing tackle stores are 
attractive, not only to anglers, but to all who are interested in neat 
and tasteful devices for taking the finn}' tribes. Large show cases 
fairly glow with polished reels of all sizevS — of German silver, nickel, 
brass, rubber and other suitable material, and some of them with 
wdieels and pinions .so accurately adjusted and .so finely finished as 
to be almost noiseless while running. American inventive inge- 
nuity seems to have almost exhausted itself in endeaA'ors to pro- 
duce this now necessar}' adjunct to modern angling, as near perfec- 
tion as is attainable. 

As to hooks, they are almost endless in variet}-, quality and 
price. There are the Kirby, the Linierick, the Aberdeen, the 
O'Shaughness}', the Sneck Bend, the Kin.sey, the Carli.sle, New 
York Trout, American Bass, Sproat, Centripetal, Central Draft, 
Virginia Hollow Points, Sheepshead, Chestertown, Black Fish, 
Cod, Harrison, Barbless and a host of others, from the minutest 
and most delicate trout size to the formidable affair used for taking 
the biggest sharks. 

Then there are cases of artificial flies of all conceivable colors, 
sizes and styles, gaud}^ and plain, suited to all seasons and waters, 
and to all fly-taking fi.shes, for bass, salmon, trout, etc. A cata- 
logue of one of our principal tackle houses contains a list of more 
than 300 varieties, all of them elegantly and artistically made. 

Artistic Rods. 

Then come the rods, fashioned for all kinds of fishing, from the 
short, .stout, heavily-mounted Tarpum or Silver King, to the most 



delicate trout rod of six or eight ounces, with tips so slender that 
only an expert can conceive the possibilit}^ of their being used suc- 
cessfull}^ in the capture of four, five and six pound bass and 
trout. 

Fink Lines. 

The displays of fine fishing lines are mangels of superior work- 
manship, illustrating in a marked degree, the decided progress 
Americans have made in that special department of manufactur- 
ing. They are of cotton, hemp, flax, silk and sea grass, most of 
them notable for their remarkable strength and beauty of fini.sh. 
A Cuttyhunk cable-laid line of the smallest size — not larger than a 
common sewing thread — defies attempts to break it without the risk 
of cutting the fingers to the bone. Some are cable-laid, hundreds 
of yards in length and without a single perceptible inequality ; 
others are braided, and others still enamelled, to protect them from 
the rotting influences of the water. In Europe, American lines 
are given the decided preference. 

Floats in great variety, spoon bait, spinners of an hundred 
forms and of the gaudiest colors, dipsies of all shapes and weights, 
ranging from a pound to the fourth of an ounce ; nets for shad or 
minnow, for hauling, drifting or setting ; squids for blue-fivSh troll- 
ing, gut snoods and leaders for casting, bait-pails, tackle-books 
and cases, fly-books, gaffs, artificial minnows, helgramites, frogs, 
crawfish, shrimp, etc., — so closely imitating nature as almost to 
deceive a human being, much less a fish ; wading pants and boots 
and hundreds of other things, novel, useful and otherwise, are to 
be found in the varied collections. 

What This Fine Tackle Means. 

These large aggregations of ingenious inventions of skill and 
taste in the manufacture of useful and non-useful things, all serve 
to indicate the strong hold which angling has upon the popular 
heart. The}^ are the responses to the constantly increasing demand 



lO 

for the best-made and most effective devices for killing fish without 
infringing statute laws. There is no recreation so almost univer- 
sally indulged wherever and whenever opportunity offers; no stories 
so thoroughly relished as fish stories, and none in which exagge- 
ration isi said to so largely predominate. 

Fortunately or unfortunately, numerous as are those who 
desire to be ranked with the disciples of Isaak Walton, onl}- a few^ 
of them, comparatively, are able to practically- gratify their inclin- 
ations in that direction. Hundreds — we were about to say thous- 
ands — are compelled to limit their fishing proclivities to the few 
holidays that occur during the warm months — Decoration Day and 
Fourth of July. There are many others who can occasionally take 
a day off and go fishing, and who would do so if they knew where 
to go with reasonable prospects of success, and what kind of tackle 
and bait to provide for such brief outings. 

So I have thought it may prove useful to consider the subject 
of ' ' near by ' ' fishing localities — places that can be readily reached 
by early trains or steamers — with the kind of fish found there, the 
proper tackle for taking them, the bait suitable, the lawful season, 
etc. This will embrace both fresh and salt water fishing, and will 
possibly prove interesting to the general reader and valuable to 
those wdio would like to go a-fishing occasionalh', and would pro- 
bably do so, if they but knew what provision should be made for 
the excursion. 

Near-by Fresh Water Fishing fifty years ago and 

NOW. 

Fifty years ago, apprenticeship indentures in certain sections 
of Pennsylvania, but especially along the Susquehanna, contained 
the proviso, that fish should not be ser\-ed to apprentices more fre- 
quently than a specified number of times each week. That curious 
provision owed its origin to the fact that edible fish were so plenti- 
ful in that river and so easily taken, as to have been an almost 
ever}' da}' article of diet, and were fed to apprentices, until they 



were completely surfeited with that kind of animal food. The legal 
proviso referred to, then became indispensable, and the boys there- 
after enjoyed its protective influence. It needs not the saying that 
no such protection is required now, and that if apprentices were 
indentured as formerly, there would be no occasion for the inser- 
tion of such a restrictive clause in their indentures. 

Wanton Depletion of Streams. 

The inference to bexlrawn from the fact stated is, that within 
the memory of men now living, the waters of Pennsylvania so 
teemed with wholesome fishes, that they constituted a principal 
part of the food daily ser\^ed at the tables of those who lived in the 
vicinity of any of the principal streams ; but, for reasons that are 
obvious, no such old-time fish-plentifulness now exists. The 
streams referred to, and the fishes contained in them, were re- 
garded as public property, everj^ man claiming the right to kill as 
many of the fish as he wished, whenever he pleased and by whatever 
means he might see proper to use. The result can readil}^ be con- 
ceived. Year after year the fish products of the streams diminished, 
until, from many of the waters, fishes indigenous to them, almost 
entirely disappeared, and in face of the fact that stringent laws for 
the protection of the comparativeh^ few remaining, were enacted, 
and liberal appropriations for the artificial propagation of valuable 
kinds and the restocking of the depleted streams made, by the 
lyCgislature. 

But for that wise foresight, there would scarcely be left a 
remnant of the former abundance of native fishes. A more vig- 
orous enforcement of the State fishery laws within the past five 
years and the stocking of the principal rivers and creeks with new 
and valuable varieties, have serv^ed to repair, in some degree, the 
damage done by the illegal crusades of former periods so merci- 
lessly waged against fishes of all kinds ; but the evil is not yet 
w^holly remedied. Much remains to be done before the once noted 
prolificness of our rivers, creeks and lakes is restored. 



12 

How TO Repl:enish thkm. 

As this book is intended for the use of anglers of all grades — 
the novice as well as the professional, the awkward as well as the 
skilled in the use of the hook and line — a word with them. If 5^ou 
are an angler or desire to become one, bear constanth^ in mind the 
fact, that one of the first essentials of a true angler is, to respect the 
claims of the fish, for they certainl}- have claims upon 3^our consid- 
eration. While at times you play the part of an eneni}^ to them, 
there are other times when 3^ou are in duty bound to act as their 
protector, and your duty cannot be more conciseh' and 3^et more 
comprehensiveh' summed up, than you will learn from a careful 
perusal of the fisher}- laws of the State. Obedience to their man- 
dates is the single, simple requirement. Respect the close seasons, 
frown down everything that is illegal whether the illegality takes 
the form of killing fish out of season, or of killing them at anytime, 
by the use of devices of the kind forbidden by the statutes. To 
catch or kill fish for mere sport, is barbarism coupled with a wan- 
ton disregard of the rights of others and of the laws of the Creator. 
If you chance to capture a " fingerling " of which you can make no 
profitable use, release it from the hook and return it to the water, 
handling it as tenderly as possible. If you must count your catch, 
the little fellow you have released wall count all the same, and 3^ou 
will feel better satisfied for having done so, than if you had him 
in 3-our creel, but ashamed to show him for fear of being laughed 
at. Follow out these easily observ^ed rules, induce as many others 
as 3-0U can to imitate your example, and 3'ou will hot onl}^ have 
performed a plain duty, but will have aided to some extent, in re- 
plenishing the nearly empty streams. 

If our waters are nearly barren, the fault is not with them nor 
with nature's provisions for the restoration of their former fertilitj^ 
Wherever such barrenness — whether partial or general — prevails, 
it will be found, upon even casual investigation, to have resulted from 
gross violations of the laws of nature, and of the fishing laws of 
the State. 



13 
How THE State and Nature's I^aws ark Violated. 

It would be superfluous to point out in detail the varied forms 
those violations take. Among the many, ma3^be named the pollu- 
tion of the waters, the use of such devices as fish baskets, weirs, 
fyke nets, dynamite, and other methods resorted to by unscrupu- 
lous persons; the disregard of the spawning periods of the fish, 
etc. Glaring as these practices have been, and damaging as they 
are to the general^ public, the fact appears to make no impression 
on the minds of the transgressors. The laws are evaded when- 
ever it is possible to do so without detection. In many cases that 
have come to the notice of the writer, public ofiicers, sworn to en- 
force the laws relating to fish protection, have, instead, been found 
aiding and abetting their violation. 

Near-by Fishing improving, but not as good as it 

should be. 

In view of the facts briefly recited, it is hardl}^ necessary to 
state that ' ' near-by ' ' fishing in Pennsylvania — and for that matter, 
in New Jersey too — although better than several 3^ears ago and 
still improving, is not as good as it might and certainly should be. 
But there is happily, a better time coming. Ever}- day, the rights 
of the fishes are being more and more fully appreciated and re- 
spected. Public sentiment has reached the conclusion, that the time 
has come when a proper regard for the fishery laws must be exer- 
cised by all, and if that sentiment shall continue to spread and 
strengthen, the day is not far distant, when our waters will again 
teem with abundance. 

But despite their present comparative unproductiveness, those 
who are possessed of the proverbial patience of the angler, who are 
skilled in fly-casting, who relish a days outing with its wading 
and its climbing, or who prefer to try conclusions with the bigger 
fishes of the sea and the estuaries, can hardly fail to be rewarded 
with some "glorious nibbles," and, not improbably, return at 



night with well filled creels. Quite a number of our angling friends 
are favored in the latter respect, and with a view to the aiding of 
less experienced ones, who are not familiar with the "best places," 
it is proposed to furnish them with such information as will enable 
them to have a day's fishing that will be satisfactory, prefacing 
such information with brief descriptions of the principal lure- 
taking fishes to be found in the localities named. 

THE PERCH FAMILY. 

It is a fact not generally known, that the Perch Family Perci- 
dcc, includes more game fish than all the other fish families com- 
bined, as far as American waters are concerned. ' ' De Kay claimed 
sixty genera and a hundred species as belonging to it. ' ' An old 
and distinguished ichthyological friend of the writer, the late 




Yellow Barred Perch. 

{Pei'ca flu V ia ta lis. ) 

lamented Thaddeus Norris, author of the American Anglers' Book, 
the best practical book of its kind — says, ' ' if by any dispensation 
of providence, the percoids should become extinct, there w^ould 
scarcely be any sport left for the anglers who fish in the numerous 
creeks, rivers and lakes where they now abound : — Beginning with 



15 

the Yellow Barred Perch, we have the White Perch, Striped Bass, 
Black Bass, Oswego Bass, The Simfish, Bream, Buffalo Perch, 
Wall-Eye Pike and others of lesser note, all embraced in this big 
family and all of those named, found in greater or less abundance 
in " near by " waters, the t3'i3e of them all being the 

YELLOW BARRED PERCH, 

which are found in most of the Northern lakes, and in moderate 
numbers in some of the tributaries of Chesapeake and Delaware 
Bays. 

The Yellow Perch is taken readily with minnow or worm 
bait, though it is not noted for daintiness of taste. Comparatively 
few fishermen entertain special regard for this fish, being disposed 
to look upon it in the light of an interloper, with few claims to 
respect either for gameness or edible qualities; but there are others 
w^ho entertain different feelings for them. 

The Yellow Perch has very wide distribution, being found in 
all the waters of the Atlantic slope, in the lake region of the North- 
west, the upper part of the Mississippi valle^^ and in most of the 
w^aters of the Western States. It is not abundant in au}^ of the 
waters of Penns^dvania, though at times, it is captured in the 
Susquehanna. Of gregarious habits, it is said that when a school 
of them is met, the angler, if he is war}' and quiet, may capture 
the entire lot. It is the deadl}^ enemy of carp and trout, and hence 
should be carefully excluded from ponds containing those fish. 

The Yellow Perch, although a voracious feeder, is not b}' any 
means a swift mover. Its movements are deliberate, even when in 
pursuit of minnows. Nor is it noted for gameness, though when 
fished for with light tackle, a one or two pounder affords not a 
little sport. 

Its Many Good Qualities. 

As to its table qualities, opinions differ, some repudiating it 
entirely, while others laud it highly. Seth Green styled it a 



i6 

"superior table fish." It is exceedingly graceful in its move- 
ments and in point of beauty, may be fairly regarded as one of the 
handsomest of American fishes. Frank Buckland says of it: — "Our 
friend, the Perch, is one of the most beautiful fish which it has 
pleased providence to place in our waters. Not only does he afford 
the angler excellent sport, but to the professed cook, his arrival in 
time for the vienii, is most welcome, as witness water douche 
served at ministerial dinners," and G. Browne Goode says: — "I 
venture the prediction, that before many years, the Perch will 
have as many followers as the Black Bass among those who fish 
for pleasure in the waters of the Eastern United States. A fish for 
the people, it is, and it is the anglers from among the people, who 
have neither time, money nor patience for long trips and compli- 
cated tackle, who will prove its steadfast friend. ' ' 

Habitats and Tackle. 

The Yellow Perch is found in nearly all the "near-by" 
streams, that are not too rapid. It is sometimes taken in consider- 
able number and of good size in Bohemian river, which empties 
into the Chesapeake a few miles north of Betterton ; but it is by 
no means certain that the angler will always be well rewarded for 
his efforts there. Lake Hopatkong in Upper New Jersey, abounds 
with Yellow Perch of large size. 

Light tackle should be used, and when the water will admit, 
a float can be advantageously employed, being so adjusted as to 
keep the hook suspended about a foot from the bottom. They are 
most active and feed most vigoriousl}^ when full of spawn, and are 
said to possess their finest flavour when taken in that condition. 

THE WHITE PERCH. 

No one of our native fishes is more familiar to fishermen gener- 
ally, whether amateur or professional — than the White Perch. It 



17 

is one of the most abundant as it is also one of the most vigorous 
of biters, and among the very best for the pan of all our fresh water 
fishes. True, it is not the equal in gameness or edible qualities of 
the Striped Bass, but is, notwithstanding, a general favorite, 
especially with fishermen of the embryonic order, though for that 
matter, many of those of more matured experience and tastes, 
generally have a soft side for this congener of the more voracious 
and pugnacious Striped Bass. 

Habitats of the White Perch. 

The White Perch is found in nearly all the fresh and brackish 
waters within easy reach of Philadelphia. It is not unfrequently 
taken considerably above the tide terminus, in the Delaware river, 




The White Perch. 

(^Labrax Pallidicrn.) 

though it may be properly called a fresh-tidal-river fish. Some- 
times, perch are much more abundant in fresh than in brackish 
waters, though as a rule, the largest ones are taken where their 
native element is somewhat briny and deep. 



i8 
Bettkrton Twenty Years Ago. 

Twenty years ago and more, the first ' ' near-by ' ' catches of 
perch, were made below the Fairmount dam, but being a fish of 
clean tastes, it now rarel}- ventures through the polluted waters 
of the Schuylkill to that once notable fishing localit5^ Twenty 
years ago, had the question been asked, where White Perch of 
the largest size and in greatest abimdance could be foinid, the 
answer would have been, Bcttcrton, at the mouth of the Sassafras 
river, in Kent county on the Eastern shore of Maryland. But the 
glory of Betterton has largel}^ departed, as far as perch fishing is 
concerned. A catch of five, six or seven hundred in a da}^ by a 
pair of skilful handlers of rod and reel, was nothing uncommon, 
and the majority of such a catch, would range in weight from 
three-quarters of a pound to a pound and a quarter. But fyke 
nets, seines and other ruinous devices, have had their legitimate 
effect — that of having either depleted the original stock, or driven 
it away to other localities. When tide and weather favor, a good 
many perch can still be taken at Betterton, but nothing like 
the number that would haA^e rewarded the angler's skill a score of 
years ago. Betterton can be reached via. the Philadelphia, Wil- 
mington and Baltimore Railroad, to Cla3'ton, Delaware, thence to 
Still Pond, and from that point by carriage ; or, by the Kricson 
Steamboat line, which leaves ever}^ afternoon at four o'clock. 

Other Xear-by Perch GrounDvS. 

In the vicinity of Spesutia island at the head of Chesapeake 
Bay, a few miles below Havre de Grace, there is generall}^ good 
perch fishing, as also at Port Deposit and the other points on the 
Susquehanna river that will be referred to in connection with 
Striped Bass fishing. 

Nearer home, from Port Penn at the head of Delaware Ba}- , to 
considerably above Lambertville on the Delaware river, at the 
mouths and generally a good wa3'S up all the tributaries of that 



^9 

stream, White Perch are found. They come early in the spring, 
feeding greedily on the spawn of other fish, especially that of the 
shad ; do their own spawning in May, and then usually retire to 
the deeper water to recuperate, after which, they return to their 
former favorite haunts, which are generally deep-sunken wooden 
piers, decaying wrecks, the timbers of old bridges or where there 
is sandy or rocky bottom. They are most readily taken on the 
ebb tide in the deeper waters, resorting on the flood, to the long 
grasses that grow on the shallow margins of creeks, and among the 
water-lilies, beneath the pads of which small minnows seek protec- 
tion from their relentless pursuit. 

Among the streams on the Jersey side where the perch abound 
in their season, are the Rancocas, Coopers, Timber, Woodbury, 
Salem, Cohansey and Alloways Creeks, and Maurice River. The 
perch ascend the streams named, early in the season, and are usu- 
ally of large size. All of them can be reached by the West Jersey 
Railroad and its several branches. The Neshaminy and the 
Brandywine, near their mouths, also abound with them. 

Bait. 

While the perch has — as all fish have — its diet preferences, it 
is largely omnivorous, as far as animal food is concerned. It will 
take with equal zest, shrimp, soft-crab or earth worms. The 
larger ones dote on minnows and sturgeon spawn, and when bait 
of the kinds named is scarce and the fish plentiful, the}^ can be 
readily tempted with little strips of cut fish, with a portion of the 
skin adhering. 

Tackle. 

Light tackle is of course the only kind that should be used. A 
short pliable rod, multiplying reel, the thinnest possible strong line, 
single gut snoods, small hooks, three on the line at snood-length 
distance apart, with just enough sinker to carry the line to the 



20 



bottom and keep it there. Some prefer the almost obsolete 
hand-line, others that most unsportsmanlike contrivance, the bow- 
line; but the fisherman who does not desire to be classed with the 
"pot-hunters," will never think of using either. 




CHINQUEPIN PERCH. 

This beautiful fish rarely finds its way into Atlantic slope 
waters. It is abundant in Western and Southern waters and in 
the Atlantic States South of Cape Hatteras, where it takes the 
minnow, or a small bit of cut fish, and where shrimp abound, is 
partial to that kind of bait. Its presence is so rare here, that there 
is no occasion for particulars as to the style of tackle and methods 
of fishing for it. 

THE SUNFISH, OR MOCASIN. 



This lively little member of the perch family is almost ubiqui- 
tous in the waters of the Atlantic slope, and is a general favorite 
Avith ' ' near-by ' ' anglers, as it is a vigorous biter, and is moreover, 



21 

when of good size, an excellent pan-fish. That the Sunfish, or 
'' Pumpkin seed " will readily take the fly, can be demonstrated 
by a visit to Spesutia Island at the head of Chesapeake Ba)^ where 
they are known as the Mocasin, and sometimes attain the weight 
of half a pound. They are found there in the greatest abundance 
in what is known as the ' ' Narrows, ' ' a strip of water between the 
western side of the island and the main land. They can also be 
taken in large numbers in the North East River, which, like. 
Spesutia Island, is reached by the Philadelphia, Wilmington and 
Baltimore Railwa}^ 




The Sunfish, or Mocasin. 
{Poniotis vulgaris.) 

The Editor of the American Angler says of the Sunfish:—" I 
confess to a fondness for catching the ' ' Pumpkin seed ' ' upon the 
lightest of light fly rods, and almost spider web consistency. I 
have caught them averaging half a pound in weight by the dozen, 
with black and brown hackles, and when they reach that size, they 
are so sprightly in their play, when hooked on trout tackle, that 
we caimot deny them a niche in the gallery of game fishes. ' ' 

It is hardly needful to state that the lightest kind of tackle 



22 

\ 

should be used, and as the '* sunnies " are almost invariably found 
in quiet waters, a float is necessary, and what the boys call a " fly- 
hook, " baited with an angle worm or a bit of dough bait. 

WALI.-EYH PIKE. 




The Pkrch Pike, Susquehanna Salmon. 
{Stizostcdion vitreu m . ) 

When this fish was introduced into the Susquehanna, or 
whether it is indigenous to that river, are matters of less moment 
than whether it is valuable as a food fish, and whether the angler 
will find in it a variet}' that will afford him sport. It is found in 
the Susquehanna river, that and the Juniata being the only streams 
east of the Alleghanies, in Peimsylvania, in which it is well known. 
There, it has become noted for its gameness as well as for its 
superior table qualities. 

Not of the Salmon Family. 

From the fact that with a great many persons, the Wall-Eye 
is known only as the " Susquehanna Salmon." a natural inference 
would be, that it is one of the Salmon family; but such is not the 
fact. It has none of the distinguishing characteristics of the sal- 
mon, its flesh being white instead of pink, though flaky and of 
fine flavor. 



23 

It is also found in great abundance in all the great lakes, rank- 
ing in commercial and table importance next to the White FivSh 
and the Lake Trout. 

Prkparations For its Artificial Propagation. 

The Pike Perch, or "Wall-Eye Pike," is one of the most 
voracious of feeders, preferring live food. It is readily susceptible 
of artificial propagation, and, it will, no doubt be agreeable news 
to anglers generally, to learn that the United States Fishery Com- 
mission is arranging to take and hatch about one hundred millions 
of the eggs of it at the Sandusky Hatchery, during the present 
spring, and that a large proportion of the fry — not less than 12,000,- 
000 — have just been planted in suitable streams in Penns\dvania, 
prominent among which are the Susquehanna, Delaware, Schuyl- 
kill and Lehigh rivers. 

Gamey, and Meriting Protection. 

At present, the Wall-Eye Pike, so called becaUvSe of its dis- 
tinctively marked eyes, is found in man}^ localities in the Susque- 
hanna river in considerable abundance, and is mainly taken with 
minnow bait. It delights in clean, clear, rapid streams, frequents 
the vicinity of sunken logs, etc. , and is one of the gamest of our 
fresh water fishes, taking the lure readily, and disputing supre- 
macy with the angler to the last gasp. It is an exceedingl}^ proli- 
fic fish, and if the laws for its protection had been observed as they 
should have been, the plant made in the Susquehanna at some 
former period, would have so multiplied, as to have caused the 
waters of that river to fairly teem with it. It spawns in May and 
June, and it is a matter of regret that the spawning beds are so 
frequently invaded with seines and other devices, which invasions 
have had the effect of seriously interfering with its increase. As 
there is every probability^ of a more rigid enforcement of the fishery 
laws in the future, there is room for the hope, that the proposed 



24 

re-stocking, by the United States Fishery Commission, will have 
the effect of making them plentiful in all the rivers mentioned. 

When found in swift rolling waters, under falls, it is said to 
be the master of the Black Bass, but in smoother water, the gen- 
eral supremacy of the latter is maintained. 

The Wall-Bye is charged with devouring its own young, as 
well as the young of other fishes, and though this is to be regarded 
as a most serious fault, it has so many other redeeming qualities, 
that it should be pardoned for such vicious tastes. G. Browne 
Goode quotes an ardent admirer of the Wall-Kye, who says of it : 
" Look at this beautiful fish, as symmetrical in form as the salmon. 
Not a fault in his make-up. Every fin perfect, tail clean-cut, and 
his great big wall-eyes stand out with that life-like glare, so 
characteristic of the fish. 

Prolific as well as Gamey. 

That the Wall-Eye is prolific there is undisputed evidence, 
and if the laws enacted for its protection had been decently 
observed, the proposed stocking of the Susquehanna would be 
superfluous. 

According to statute law, the Wall-Eye Pike, Bass and 
Pickerel may not be taken during the months of January, Febru- 
ary, March, April and May, "nor at any other time, than with 
hook and line, scroll or spear." The penalty for each violation is 
ten dollars. 

The "best places" for Wall-Eye Pike, in the Susquehanna, 
are so numerous as to render a list of such localities impossible, 
with the space at command. The angler will not be likely to go 
astray, however, who selects any of the well-known fishing points 
between Port Deposit and the upper w^aters of the stream, taking 
in both branches of the river, and including the lower portions of 
the Juniata. On the river betw^een Dauphin and Steelton, above 
Harrisburg, are several noted places, and below the dam at Sun- 
burv many are taken. 



25 

Tackle and Bait. 

Regular Striped Bass or Black Bass tackle, such as is needed 
at the mouth of the Susquehanna, will answer. Use a float, and 
if fishing from a boat, anchor it by the side of or above a rapid, 
and let your bait float down through the swift water to the foot of 
the rapid. As already stated, live bait is its weakness, though it 
feeds greedily upon larvae, crawfish, small frogs, tadpoles and worms. 



THE STRIPED BASS OR ROCK-FISH. 

{Labrax lineatiis.) 

Among the most esteemed — perhaps the foremost of our indi- 
genous fishes in ' ' near-by ' ' streams — is the Striped Bass or Rock- 
fish, which is found not only in tidal but in fresh waters also — the 
Susquehanna and the Delaware, together with their tributaries, 
abounding with them. 

Gamey Qualities of the Striped Bass. 

Of the Striped Bass it can truthfully be said, that it is hardly 
inferior to the salmon, either in gameness or table qualities, while 
it is greatl}^ its superior in point of beauty and abundance. Sym- 
metrical in shape, handsomely marked, and built for speed and 
endurance, there are few fishes whether of salt water or fresh, that 
possess as many attractions for the true angler. There is nothing 
mean or sneaking about it. A voracious feeder, seemingly always 
hungr}', it rarely hesitates about taking its prey, whether it be a 
live minnow swimming at large, a piece of salted eel-tail, a tooth- 
some bait, or gaudy lures in the form of spoons and spinners, which 
modern tackle manufacturers have made so attractive to it. The 
angler, fishing in fresh waters in which Striped Bass abound, 
readily comprehends when a good sized specimen of that kind, 
takes hold. It becomes clearly apparent from the word " go ! " 



27 

that business is meant, and that skill in handling him is required 
if his capture is to be made in anything of a sportsmanlike way. 

How IT Takes Hold. 

The movements of the Striped Bass are almost as quick as 
lightning, which, coupled with its great strength and remarkable 
powers of endurance, have given it a conspicuous place in the rank 
of game fishes, especiall}^ along the Atlantic coast, where there is 
constant eager competition among a certain class of rod-and-reel 
men, to win the enviable celebrit}' of having captured the largest. 
Of that competition, something will be said, when treating of salt 
water fishing. The first dash of the Striped Bass at the lure is 
tremendous, and his struggles to escape w^hen hooked, such as 
fairly entitle him to admiration and respect. 

TABI.K Qualities. 

The edible qualities of the Striped Bass are fully equal to those 
of the best food fishes, not even excepting the salmon. While 
some who profess to be connoisseurs in fish-eating, contend that a 
Striped Bass of less than twelve inches in length, is not fit to be 
eaten, there are many others who differ wdth them on that point, 
and who think it has few superiors for the pan. For baking or 
boiling, it is one of the acknowledged standards, aways command- 
ing high prices and with a demand generally equal to the supply. 
Therefore, whether viewed from the standpoint of gameness, or 
that of table excellence, or both, this monarch of the fresh w^aters, 
deserv^es alike, the regard of anglers and gourmands. 

Habitats of ti^ Striped Bass. 

As far as "near-by " fresh waters are concerned, the Striped 
Bass is found mainly in the Delaware and Susquehanna, and their 
tributaries. In the former, as far north as I^ambertville, New Jersey, 



28 

and in the latter, as far up as Columbia, where its further advance 
northward has been for years prevented by the dam that crosses 
the river at that place. Whether the facilities afforded by the re- 
cently constructed fishways in that dam will be availed of by it, is 
a question that time must determine. Before dams were built in 
that river, Striped Bass were taken as far north as Luzerne count}'. 

Some of the best Striped Bass fishing locaeities. 

Perhaps the most noted Striped Bass fishing waters of the 
Susquehanna, are those in the vicinity of Port Deposit, about three 
miles from Perryville, via. the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Bal- 
timore Railroad. At no other point on the river are they taken of 
such size and in such abundance. At times, the water fairly teems 
with them, twent}^ pounders being frequently hooked, though only 
experienced anglers would care to tackle customers of that size, 
and few others would succeed in landing them. vSalted eel-tail is 
a favorite bait. The spoon or spinner, is also a taking lure, but a 
live minnow of good size is much more tempting, though not 
always as easy of procurement. Young catfish, tadpoles, helgra- 
mites. crawfish, and even ordinary earthworms, are not rejected 
b}' the smaller ones, in still fishing. Early in the morning, and 
from four o'clock in the afternoon until sundown, are the hours 
when Striped Bass are most apt to feed, and always take the lure 
most readily — especially if it he a spoon or spinner — when the 
water is clear. Make sure that the water is in that condition be- 
fore you start, if you desire success. 

The best season for vStriped Bass fishing at Port Deposit, is 
during June and July, and as there are no legal restrictions there, 
fishing for either the Striped or the Black Bass may be indulged 
there at am^ time. 

A little further up the river is Conowingo Bridge, where ex- 
cellent trolling and bait fishing for Striped Bass can generally be 
had, also, at Bald Friars, a mile and a half further on. Four 



29 

miles above the latter place, is Peach Bottom or Peters Creek, 
where there is generally good fishing as also at Kite's Kdd}^ four 
miles still further northward. Kite's Edd}^ is more notable for 
Black than for Striped Bass, but sometimes good catches of the 
latter are made there. In the rapids and eddies opposite and below 
Safe Harbor, Striped Bass ranging from half a pound to a pound 
and a half in weight, are frequently very plentiful, sometimes so 
abundant as to seriously annoy the Black Bass fishermen. Below 
the dam at Columbia they are usually taken of moderate size, and 
in fact, in the eddies at almost any point on the river up to the last 
mentioned place. All of the places named can be reached in a few 
hours either by the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Rail- 
road, or direct from Philadelphia, by the Central Division of that 
road, and by the Pennsylvania Railroad to Columbia and thence 
down the river. 

Where Striped Bass are found in the Dei^aware. 

A few years ago, good Striped Bass fishing could always be 
had at Chester and Marcus Hook, but for some unexplained reason, 
they appear to have abandoned those localities. 

Ascending the Delaware on the Penns3dvania side, they will 
generally be found at the outlets of the Pennepack and Nesha- 
miny creeks, especially the latter, and at various other points as 
far north as Lambertville, where at times, they are caught in great 
abundance though not of large size. 

On the Jersey side of the river, the}' will be found in season — 
which is pretty much all spring and summer — at or near the 
mouth of the Rancocas, Cooper's, Timber, Woodbury and Salem 
creeks, at Port Penn, opposite Wilmington, and further down, 
in Maurice river. All of the places on the Delaware can be readily 
reached in a little while by rail or steamer ; northward by the 
Pennsylvania, and the Camden and Amboy roads, and southward 
by the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore, or the West 
Jersey and its branches. 



30 

The character of Striped Bass tackle should be made to con- 
form to the waters to be fished, and the size of the fish frequenting 
them. Light tackle will answer in au}^ of the localities named 
except Port Deposit, where, as Striped Bass of very large size are 
often killed, it will be well to provide that which is moderatel}^ 
heavy. Ordinarily, single gut leaders will answer, but there is no 
objection to double ones, unless it be the cost, which is not heavy ; 
and, unless you are after big fish only, let the hooks be of moderate 
size. Experienced anglers prefer those ranging from a No. i to a 
2 or 3, the size depending upon the run of the fish. 

In fishing for Striped Bass in fresh as well as in salt waters, it 
is well to bear in constant mind the fact that that fish is not a 
nibbler. In gamin parlance, he does not " monkey" with the bait. 
Acting on the well-known principle that ' ' the right way to do a 
thing is to do it, ' ' he rarely stands upon the order of his taking, 
but takes the bait and goes about his business, if you will let him. 
The startling st3de of his first dash is apt to unsettle the equani- 
mity of the inexperienced, and prompt to action far more vigorous 
than is needful or prudent. Rapid and inconsiderate reeling-in, is 
apt to follow, and not always with desirable results. Making haste 
slowly, is good policy if 3^ou are dealing with a large fish, and it 
must not be forgotten that the Striped Bass is not like the pike or 
weak-fish — furious for a moment and then subservient. He is 
built/or strength and endurance and may be counted upon for a 
protracted fight. If the water admits, long runs may be looked 
for, and it is for such runs the angler should be prepared. Give 
him pla}^, deal gentl}- but firml}- with him, and possess your soul 
in patience while wear34ng out your hoped-for prize. When at 
length he turns over on his side, giving unmistakable evidence of 
exhaustion, then, have your landing net or gaff ready and take 
him. The strike of a big Striped Bass is apt to affect the inex- 
perienced angler pretty much as does the first glimpse of a deer, the 
hunter not accustomed to such sights. It unsteadies his nerv^es, 
and not unfrequently causes him to lose his head, and do unwise 



things. Therefore, keep on the alert always; expect a strike at any 
moment, and be prepared to deal with the striker cooly. Your rod 
should be of a make that will stand a heavy strain — not necessarily 
heavy, but so constructed that it will not be shattered by such 
heavy pulls as big Striped Bass are proverbial for making. You 
will want a good multiplying reel, and about one hundred yards of 
cable laid hempen line. A nine or a twelve-thread 'Cuttyhunk 
will answer. 



BLACK BASS. 

{J\Iic7'opterus dolomieu.^ 

This now well-known game food fish, forty years ago, was 
wholly unknown to the New England States, and to the Atlantic 
seaboard of the Midddle States, a still shorter period. Dr. Hen- 
shall, the be.st authority on the subject says : "The original habi- 
tat of the species, is remarkable for its extent, for with the excep- 
tion of the New England States, and the Atlantic seaboard of the 
Middle States, it comprises the whole of the United States East of 
the Rocky Mountains, Ontario, (Canada,) and East Mexico." 
,From this it will be seen, that although a distinctively American 
fish, it is a transplant in our waters, though it has thriven 
wonderfully in them. 



32 
Introduction East of the Ali^eghanies. 

The first record of their introduction dates back to 1850, when 
twenty-seven were put in Flax Lake, Massachusetts. Subse- 
quently, other lakes w^ere stocked in nearly all the New England 
States and in New York. 

In 1854, Mr. William Shriver of Wheeling, Virginia, planted 
a number of bass in the canal basin at Cumberland, Maryland, 
from which they escaped into the Potomac river, where they have 
since multiplied to such an extent, that the principal supply of 
Black Bass for the Philadelphia markets is derived from that river. 
They were brought to Cumberland in a live box, in the tank of a 
locomotive. 

In 1869, several private citizens of Harrisburg, planted a 
number of Black Bass in the Susquehanna, and four years later, 
the tributaries of the Susquehanna, Potomac and Delaware Rivers, 
were stocked at thirty-five different points. 

Rapid Increase of Bass. 

The foregoing highly interesting facts indicate in the most 
unmistakable manner the readiness with which the food-fish sup- 
ply can be increased in our waters. Thirty Black Bass fry, placed 
in the canal basin at Cumberland, in the short space of thirt>'-five 
years, have multiplied so largely as to have become a source of 
important revenue to the many fishermen of the Potomac river ; 
and the public spiritedness of a few gentlemen at Harrisburg in 
1869, has been the means of stocking the Susquehanna from its 
mouth to its head waters, with the same valuable fish. The same 
results have followed the placing of them in the Schuylkill and 
Delaware Rivers and their tributaries, in which good work the 
State Fishery Commissioners were greatly assisted by the "Anglers' 
Association of Eastern Pennsylvania," whose headquarters are 
in this city. 



33 
A Fact to be Remembered. 

It should be borne in mind, in connection with the facts stated, 
that the present and constantly increasing abundance of this noble 
fish has been secured at a most trivial expense, and that the in- 
crease not only enlarges with each passing year, but, that this 
constant increment is without cost to the people of the State, 
other than the observance of the reasonable laws enacted for the 
protection of the Black Bass during its spaw^ning seavSon, and the 
prevention of what is known as illegal fishing at all seasons. 

A General Favorite with Angeers. 

Next to the Trout, the Black Bass is the favorite of Penn- 
sylvania anglers generally, and, for a number of reasons, among 
w^hich are the three following : (i) its remarkable gameness ; (2) its 
omnivorousness ; (3) its adaptation to most of the streams of the 
State. 

In regard to its gameness, it is to be said that there is not in 
the whole range of lure-taking fishes any fiercer fighter nor an}- pos- 
sessed of greater powers of endurance. It does not struggle for a 
brief .season and then surrender, but fights to the very last. It 
has been a matter of dispute with some leading anglers, which of 
the two, the Black Bass or the Trout, is the gamcst. Taking 
Mountain Trout of equal size, it is fair to them to say, that they 
contest supremacy with the angler as fiercely and persistently as 
the Black Bass ; but as between the latter and the I^ake Trout, the 
Bass is fairly entitled to the championship. 

A Generae and Vigorous Feeder. 

Another commendable characteristic of the Black Bass is the 
readiness with which it takes either fly or bait. Its favorite and 
presumably principal foods, are crawfish and minnows, with, of 
course, flies thrown in as a dessert. While young, insects and 



34 

lan-ae comprise its almost exclusive diet, but the adult bass, while 
greedily taking such small game, depends mainly upon the more 
substantial diet named, together with such other aquatic creatures 
as helgramites, tadpoles, young frogs, small catfish, and Avhen 
offered them as lures, crickets and grasshoppers. 

Not a Depopulator of the Streams. 

One of the most prominent objections waged against the stock- 
ing of our streams with Black Bass, was the theory that their 
voraciousness would prove hurtful to the young shad, as well 
as to young fish of other varieties ; but experience in Pennsylvania 
waters, as well as elsewhere, warrants no such belief. Referring 
to the voracity of the Bass, Dr. Henshall, who is to be regarded as 
the very highest authority on the subject, says : ' ' The Black Bass 
is excelled by no other fish that swims for gameness, and among 
fresh water species by but one — the white fish — for the table. And 
further, he will not eat the spawn of his mate nor that of his fellow- 
mates. His natural food is the crawfish and minnow ; he prefers 
them and they are easily procured. On them he will wax and 
grow fat, increase and multiph'. The man who alleges that he de- 
populates the streams of valuable food fishes, or asserts that he 
'kills for the love of it,' has never looked into the mouth of a 
Bass with his e3^es open." 

Where to Find the Black BAvSS. 

An enthusiastic and highly successful Bass fisherman informs 
us that as the streams tributary to the upper Delaware are the natu- 
ral home of the Trout, the ri^'er itself has become famous for its 
excellent Black Bass fishing. From Port Jervis to Hancock, every 
pool and eddy is tenanted by this unsurpassed game fish. Hand- 
some Edd}', Pond's Eddy, Lackawaxen, Cochecton, Narrowsburg, 
Calicoon and many other places are first-class fishing points, and 
all accessible by the New York and Erie Railroad. 



35 

Nearer home, there are many stations along the Hne of the Dela- 
ware, Lackawanna and Western, and Belvidere roads, where the 
angler can find fair bass fishing. At Portland and the Delaware 
Water Gap, Delaware, Manunka Chunk and Martinsville are good 
pools. Below Easton are Carpentenille, Riegelsville, Milford, 
By ram and Trimble stations, where the river affords excellent 
fishing. 

For any of the stations below Easton, the angler can take an 
early morning train from Broad street station, reach his destination 
before lo o'clock and return on an evening train the same da3^ 

If distance lends enchantment to the piscatorial view, the 
fisherman can choose from many points on the I^ower Susque- 
hanna. Little Washington, three miles below Columbia, is noted 
for the excellence of its Black Bass fishing, as is also the Columbia 
dam when the water is low and clear. 

Safe Harbor, McCall's Ferry, Fite's Eddy, Peach Bottom or 
Peter's Creek, Conowingo Furnace and Port Deposit, all yield good 
returns for skilful angling. The places named can be reached via 
the Pennsylvania and Columbia and Port Deposit roads. 

In addition to the foregoing habitats named, these fine fish 
are also found in the Brand}' wine, the Neshaminy and other tribu- 
taries of the Delaware below Trenton on the Penns3dvania side ; 
in all the larger tributaries of the Susquehanna, especiall}- the 
Juniata, and in the Schuylkill and its lower tributaries, which in- 
clude the Wissahickon and Perkiomen, with a number of other 
favorable points, as Royer's Ford, Lafayette, vShawmont and Flat 
Rock dam. Those who can spare the time, will find in Lake Hopat- 
kong, N. J., three and a half hours ride from Philadelphia, all the 
sport they desire, not only with bass, but with pickerel, yellow 
perch, etc. 

Outfit. 

For Black Bass fishing, the best outfit is an eight or nine-foot, 
nine to twelve ounce rod, moderately springy and made of split 



36 

bamboo. Competition has so reduced the price of these, that a fair 
rod can be had at from five to eight dollars — very little more than 
the cost of a good wooden one. The prices of the finer qualities 
of split bamboo rods range from $15 to $50, according to the repu- 
tation of the maker. Within a recent period, the maniifacture of 
wooden rods has been so improved, as to be regarded b}- many 
anglers as equal, at least, to the rent and glued. They are less 
expensive, and can be made of any desired length. The Betha- 
bara, Lancewood, Greenheart and Dgami woods are the kinds 
most used and most esteemed for rods. Hornbeam is tough but 
not springy. The reel should be a multiplier, with a check or 
drag large enough to hold fifty or sixty yards of G water- 
proof enameled line. A rubber reel is preferable because of 
lightness. 

If the fishing is done with a float, a three-inch cork, barrel- 
shape, is the best. The leader should be about four feet long and 
of strong gut. To one end of the leader a Pitcher's swivel sinker 
No. 9 or 10 should be attached. Some anglers fasten to this a 
short leader two feet long, to which is attached the hook. A No. 
I or 2 Sproat hook is about the size. The float can be dispensed 
with, when casting in rapid or shoal water. 

A landing net will be found useful, and if the angler is desir- 
ous to carry his bait with him. the Rudolph floating pail is the 
best. It has a depression at the top, in which a small piece of ice 
wrapped in a towel can be placed, the dripping from which keeps 
the water cool. It can be attached to the boat or to a bush along 
the shore, obviating the necessity of constantly changing the 
water. The common tidewater minnow of the Delaware is a good 
bait, .so is the small stone catfish, the helgramites. crawfish and 
lamprey eels. 

With a good rod and tackle, plenty of bait and a good day 
and place for fishing, the result will depend upon the angler him- 
self. 



37 

Close Seasons in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

The close season for Black Bass in Pennsylvania is from the 
ist of January to the ist of June. In New Jerse}^ it is lav/ful to 
take them with hook and line from the 30th of May to the ist of 
December. The close season for seine or other net fishing in 
that State is from the ist of March to the ist of May. It will be 
well for those w^io contemplate Trout or Black Bass fishing in New 
Jerse}', and who are non-residents, to consult the Rules and B}^- 
Laws of the West Jerse}' Game Protective Society before starting. 




LARGE-MOUTH BLACK BAvSS. 



The marked success Avhich has attended the introduction of 
the Small-Mouth Black Bass, the German Carp and the Wall-Bye 
Pike into the waters of the Atlantic slope, has encouraged the 
State Fisher}' Commissioners of Pennsylvania to try a like experi- 
ment with the Fresh Water Bass of the South and West, familiarly 
known as the Big-Mouth Black Bass. For several years past, the 
attention of the State authorities has been directed to this well- 
known gamey fish, a veiy prevalent impression being, that if our 



3^ 

less rapid rivers, lakes and large ponds were stocked with it, satis- 
factory results would follow. Why not ? Why should the Big- 
Mouth Bass fail in the Delaware and Schuylkill, and their several 
quiet tributaries, wdien it is remembered that, as Goode states, 
'*the Large and the Small-mouths dwell together in the Great 
Lakes ' ' ? Why not in our waters ? It is one of the most widelj^ 
distributed of our fresh w^ater fishes, as it is the most abundant as 
far north as latitude 50°, from Florida to Manitoba, and as far 
north, eastw^ard of the Alleghanies, as the James River. Neither it 
nor its near relative, the Small-mouth, is native to the eastern part 
of the Middle States, but the latter has made itself at home with 
us, and is evidently intended to be a permanent resident. 

Every fresh water stream of any size in Southern or South- 
western States is full of them, and although less gamey than the 
northern Small-mouth, are nevertheless attractive sport for the 
anglers of the regions to which the^^ are indigenous. 

The Big- Mouth Bass are taken with all sorts of lures, from a 
fly to the gaudy spoon or spinner, and from a live minnow to a 
four or five inch mullet. Of ^'oracious tastes, they allow themselves 
to be so closely approached in the lagoons, along where the lily 
pads flourish, as to be taken with what is called a " bob," which 
is a barbarous though very effectual method. 

Looking confidentl}* forward to their introduction into our 
' ' near-l3y ' ' waters, and also confidently anticipating entire success 
from the experiment, it will be as well to wait for their arrival and 
acclimation before saying anything about tackle, etc. 



THE ROCK BASS. 

This is another fish of comparatively recent introduction in the 
waters of Eastern Pennsylvania. It has a high reputation for 
excellence as a pan fish, is voracious, a ready and free biter 
^nd full of game. It is abundant in the great lakes, and is occa- 
sionally found in the Susquehanna, but is not plentiful at any point 



east of the Alleghanies. Its introduction into eastern waters is of 
such recent date, that the point has not 3'et been satisfactorily de- 



-Of^ 




/V"'...^^.'^^^^^ 



'\\V 



The Rock Bass. 
(A in bloplitcs rupestris. ) 



termined whether it will or will not prove prolific. It is of the 
Perch faniih^, frequents sunken logs, roots of trees, etc., and is 
capable of propagation in ponds. The same laws that protect the 
other bass fishes apply to it. 



THE BROOK TROUT. 

{Saluio fontinalis. ) 

Although the "near-by '' streams that once abounded in this 
superlatively game fish, have been entirely depleted of them, and 
the well-meant efforts of the Anglers' Association of Eastern Penn- 
sylvania to restock them with other varieties of the same family 
adapted to such waters — the California and the Rainbow Trout — 
have resulted in failure, it would be unpardonable to pass this 
general favorite without at least brief mention. 



41 
Where Trout must be vSought. 

A whole chapter might be — in fact, whole books have been — 
written about this beautiful fish, once so abundant in many of the 
streams of the lower tier of counties, but because of the merciless 
warfare waged against them and the well-known illegal pollution 
of the waters, they have become extinct, wdiile all efforts to replace 
them with other varieties have proved unavailing. Hence, if the 
reader desires to enjoy the ro3^al sport of trout fishing, he will 
have to seek his game in other than "near-by" streams. In 
almost any of the mountain streams of Northern Pennsylvania, in 
Pike, Monroe, Sullivan or IvUzerne counties, he will find Speckled 
Trout in moderate abundance, and usually of small size, though 
occasionally he ma\^ be fortunate enough to capture some of the 
bigger ones. He will also find some in the counties of Centre, 
Mifiiin, Blair, Huntingdon and Bedford, and a few in one- or two 
of the streams of Cumberland county. 

Whv Trout are Scarce. 

The open season 4n Pennsylvania begins with the 15th of 
April, and ends with the 15th of July, though there are not a few 
persons who do not hesitate to set the law at defiance and take 
trout whenever opportunity is afforded them. Those who have 
a proper respect for law, bide their time, and cast their flies only 
when they can do so lawfully, and therefore, with clear consciences. 
Then, nearly ever}^ accessible stream that contains — or is supposed 
to contain — trout, is waded and whipped almost without inter- 
mission, until the interdict of the State fishery laws puts an end to 
it. Unfortunately, among those eager fly-casters, are many who 
estimate their catches by number and not by size or w^eight, and 
who are content with the ability to boast that they killed so many, 
though possibly their creels did not contain a single fish entitled 
to a prouder designation than that of ' ' fingerling. ' ' Such fisher- 
men are simply ''pot-hunters," and the aversion of all true 
anglers. 



42 

It is not surprising therefore, that trout of respectable size are 
so scarce in our State streams, or that the annual restocking of 
those streams from the State Hatcheries has failed to increase the 
number beyond the thousands of fiy from year to year placed in 
them, and which are almost certain to be captured and killed 
before the next installment is planted. 

A few trout are said to be found in one or two lonely streams 
within a few miles of Camden, but the number is so limited and 
the streams so encumbered b}' bushes and other undergrowth, as to 
render the fishing of them next to impracticable. The open season 
in New Jersey is from the ist of March to the ist of October. 

Trout Oi'tfits. 

As to the outfit needed for trout fishing, it is composed of so 
many essentials — essentials in the estimation of a regular trout 
angler — that it would require more space than can be spared to 
enumerate them. Any of the comprehensive illustrated catalogues 
of the leading tackle houses — which can usually be had for the 
asking — will supply the desired information, though it is hardly 
needful to state that a majority of the so called essentials could 
readily be dispensed with. 

The Trout Regions of Pennsylvania. 

A thorough' informed trout fisherman has kindly furnished 
the following points, which will prove interesting and valuable to 
those who think of visiting the trout regions of the northeastern 
counties of the State, but who are not familiar with the streams of 
that territor3^ 

The nearest to Philadelphia, of good trout fishing, is probably 
at Henry ville, Monroe county. This point is reached by the 
Pennsylvania Railroad to Maiunika Chunk, connecting there with 
the Delaware, I^acka wanna and W^estern road. There are several 
good streams in the immediate vicinit}^ tributary to Broadhead's 
Creek. 



43 

Kiglit miles further north, on the last mentioned road, is 
Cresco, the point of departure for Canadensis, four miles distant. 
At that point there are five fine trout streams, also tributar}' to 
Broadhead's Creek. Good accommodations can be had at Cana- 
densis. 

Near Fork's Station, next above Cresco, there are several 
fine streams, all of which have been repeatedly stocked within the 
past four or five 3'ears by the Peuns}dvania State Fisher}^ Com- 
mission, and afford good fishing with either fly or bait. 

Anglers who have more time at command, can take the Xew 
York and Erie road from New York City to Port Jervis, and the 
streams entering the Delaware from Pike and Wayne counties. 
That road skirts the river from Port Jervis to Hancock, a dis- 
tance of eighty miles or more. 

Good trout fishing can be had in many .streams in New York 
and Penns3dvania, running into the Delaware. The Mongaup, a 
short distance above Port Jer^ds, is noted in that respect. 

The Shohola and its upper tributaries in Pike county are also 
good waters. At Lackaw^axen in Pike county, the Delaware and 
Hudson road to Honesdale and beyond, crosses man}^ good trout 
waters. Nearh' all the creeks tributary to the upper Lackawaxen, 
are natural trout streams. 

At Masthope on the Erie road be3'ond Lackawaxen, is Mast- 
hope Creek, in which excellent fishing can be had; also at Milan- 
ville, Calicoon Creek, at Calicoon Depot. Hancock at the junc- 
tion of the East and West Branches of the Delaware, is the 
point of departure for many of the best fishing streams of Wa3^ne 
and of Sullivan count}^ New York. In all those streams the trout 
takes the fly readily. The}' abound in fine pools that are compar- 
atively clear of brush. 

The best flies for Northeastern Pennsylvania, are the 
"Epting," the " Queen of the Waters," "Black Gnat," ''White 
and Royal Coachman," "Cahill," " Beaverkill," "RedHackel," 
* ' Imbrie, " * ' Grizzlv Kino^, ' ' and ' ' Montreal . ' ' 



44 








THE RAINBOW TROUT. 

(Salmo ircdcus. ) 

This beautiful fish, the introduction of which into Pennsyl- 
vania waters has been repeatedl}' attempted, and generally with 
but indifferent success, was brought hither from McCloud River, 
California, and in some localities is known as the "McCloud" 
Trout, as well as b}^ various other names. The attempt to stock 
the lower streams of the State with it was made, not because it 
was either the superior or the equal of our own Mountain Trout, 
but because it was claimed for the Rainbow that it would live and 
thrive in streams of as high a temperature as 75°. Again its advo- 
cates urged in its favor, that it was a much more rapid grower 
than the Speckled Trout, as well as stronger and more vigorous. 
As far as rapidity of growth is concerned, there is no dispute, but 
as to gameness and endurance, our sportsmen almost unanimously 
repudiate the claim. That it needs as clear and as pure water as 
our native trout has been fully established, but though placed in 
our best streams, it has failed to realize in full, the expectations 
formed in regard to it. A serious objection to it is, that it 
spawns about the time when the open season for Brook Trout 
commences. 

It is hardy, and bears handling and transportation well, but is 
evidently not adapted to our streams, though it is said that some 
very fine specimens have been taken in several of the waters of 
Cumberland county. 



45 



^.-^f 

*'"^^1^^'' 




THE CHUB OR FAI^I. FISH. 

{Leucosomus rhothcus. ) 

Among what are known as the bold-biters, there are few that 
excel in that respect the Chub or Fall fish. This fish is not re- 
garded with much favor by trout anglers, for the reason that it is 
exceedingh' aggressive, very voracious, rises readily to a fly, a 
worm, or in fact almost anything in the form of a live lure. But 
for all that, there are a great many who hold it in high esteem for 
its dashing, gamey qualities, though its powers of endurance are of 
the limited order and its edible qualities not of the best. 

Haunts of the Chub. 

The Chub is found in most of the creeks in the vicinit}^ of 
Philadelphia, It abounds in the Brandy wine, Perkiomen and many 
of the smaller streams, and was formerly quite abundant in those 
which were once noted for their trout, but which favorite of the 
angler has entirel}^ disappeared from them. Other tributaries of 
the Schu3dkill contain them. They are perhaps more plentiful in 
the several large tributaries of the Delaware above the Water Gap 
than in an}- other part of Eastern Pennsylvania, and are frequently 
taken in the Neshaminy and Pennypack. 



46 

When and how to Fish for them. 

The best time for taking Fall fish is in the fall of the 3^ear, 
when the}^ are in the finest condition. A grasshopper is a deadl}^ 
lure for them, as is the large white grub worm, to be found in old 
stumps and decaying logs ; though they are not apt to refuse a 
worm a even a bit of dough bait or cheese, and if the right-col- 
ored fly is offered — one with a big red bod^- — the offer is ver}^ fre- 
quently accepted, and with a vim that often leads the angler to 
imagine he has hooked a trout instead of a chub. It is a shj^ fish, 
exceedingly cleanly in appearance, being silvery white ; graceful 
in shape, strong in movement, quick as a flash in 1)iting, but not 
the best for the table. The size \'aries from twelve to eighteen 
inches, though still larger have been taken. 




THE PIKE. 

{Esox rectiadatus) 

The term, " Pickerel," is applied to all fish of the Pike family, 
but as we are dealing with only ' ' near b}- ' ' fishes, it will not be 
necessary to refer to those larger members of this interesting genus, 
as the Great Lake Pickerel, the Muscalonge, the Great Blue Pike 
and others ; but confine our remarks to the ' ' Pond ' ' or Common 
Pike, which is found in most of the fresh waters of the Eastern 
slope of the Alleghanies, and to the Chain Pickerel. 

The Pike's Good Quaeities. 

It is hardly necessar}^ to describe this well-known fish. For 
table purposes, if from one to two pounds in weight, it is well 



47 

esteemed, though there are better fish. One of the Pike's special 
recommendations, and a very important one, is the fact that it may 
be taken pretty much all the year round, in midwinter as well as in 
midsummer. Another is, that it is almost omnipresent in our 
streams and ponds ; in the former, where lily pads prevail to con- 
siderable extent, and in almost an^- of the latter. There are many 
ponds in New Jersey within easy reach of Philadelphia where 
fairly good sport can be had at almost an}^ time of the year. In 
the large pond at May's Landing, on the West Jerse}- Road ; at 
Millville, Spring Mills, Atsion, Lake Hopatkong. in Northern 
Jersey, and in almost any of the mau}^ large ponds in that State, 
the angler, if properly equipped with tackle, and tolerably familiar 
with the use of it, may reasonably calculate upon good catches. 
Some of the branches of Forked River, N. J., are noted for the 
size, number and qualit}" of the Pike taken in them. 



Methods of Pike Fishing, Bx\it, Etc. 

The two principal methods of taking Pike are, with live bait 
and with the spoon or '-spinner ;" the live bait and the spoon to be 
adapted to the size of the general run of the fish in the water to be 
fished. A three-inch minnow will answer where the fish average 
from three-quarters to a pound and a half, and larger ones where 
fish of larger size abound. Sometimes a strip of pork, cut some- 
wdiat in fish-shape, will be taken as readil}^ as the minnow, and 
thus becomes a good substitute when roach or chub are not pro- 
curable. 

Trolling from a boat or from the bank are the usual methods 
of fishing for Pike ; the latter, of course when practicable, being 
always given the preference b}^ the angler. The Pike takes the 
lure most readily on a cloudy day, from early morning until nine 
or ten o'clock, and from four o'clock in the afternoon until dark ; 
though at times it will bite pretty much all day. 

As most of the Jerse}- pond^ are large, and bordered either 



48 

with swamps or bushes, it is always well — in fact almost incrspen- 
sable — to have a boat, and for comfort's salke as w^ell as for the sake 
of success, some one to row who is familiar with the haunts of the 
fish. Such persons are usually found in the vicinity of the larger 
ponds. 

THE CHAIN PICKEREL. 




This is another member of the Pike family, not as abundant 
as the Common Pike, but attains a larger size, and is found in 
grassy creeks, where the water is clear, and in ponds usually well 
supplied with fresh water. Its flesh, instead of being yellowish, as 
that of the small pike, is pure white and of excellent flavor. It is 
very like the Common Pike in shape and habits, though more 
slender and graceful, but, as is shown in the illustration, its sides 
are so distinctly marked as to render it easy to distinguish between 
them. 

It is predacious in the fullest sense of that word, feeding in- 
discriminately on nearly all other kinds of fishes, frogs, mice, rats, 
or almost any living thing that conies in its way, not excepting its 
own species. The Pickerel, when it attains a weight of three or 
four pounds and upwards, can be aptly compared to the blue-fish 
in voracity, and is fulh^ the equal of that devastator of the finny 
tribes of the vSea, in quickness of motion and in certainty of aim. 
It has been compared to a tiger in its spring, seemingly accurately 
measuring its distance and then rushing towards its victim with 



49 

almost lightning speed, rarely missing, and devouring its catch at 
a single swallow, unless too large for its throat capacity. 

The Pickerel is fished for pretty much in the same manner as 
the Pike, with this exception, that stronger tackle is required. A 
popular method of taking them is what is called ' ' skittering, ' ' 
which means "jerking or drawing the bait along the top of the 
water." In Florida, where it is much practiced for Black Bass, it 
is called ' ' bobbing. ' ' The tackle consists of a long flexible pole, 
with a short line, to which a strong spoon is attached. Thus 
equipped, let the boatman row along the margin of the lily pads, 
skittering the lure on the surface. 

Trolling is another method, and quite a favorite one when the 
water area is large. Strong tackle, of course, is required, and the 
spoon or live bait will generally prove attractive. 




THE CATFISH. 

{SiluridcE.) 
No doubt some of those who are known, or. 



would like to be 

known as scientific "anglers" — not fishermen — will laugh, or 
pretend to do so, when the}- read the caption of this article, deem- 
ing — as at least some of them profess to do — the catfish entirely 



50 

beyond the pale of true angling. But if we are to take so good an 
authority as the veteran Thaddeus Xorris on that subject, we will 
find that " the true angler is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of 
gentle old Isaak. He has no affectation, and when a fly-cast is not 
to be had, can find amusement in catching vSunfish or Roach, and 
does not despise the sport of any humbler brother of the angle. ''^ 
* ^i^ >i< * A true angler is generally a modest man ; unob- 
trusively communicative when he can impart a new idea ; and is 
even ready to let a pretentious tyro have his say, and good- 
naturedly (as if merely suggesting how it should be done) repairs 
his tackle and gets him out of a scrape." With such authority to 
back us, we shall proceed to sa}^ a word or two about the despised 
catfish. 

Omnipresent, OmnivoroUvS and Toothsome. 

There are catfish and catfish, and they are nearl)' as omni- 
present in fresh waters as they are omnivorous, for almost an^^thing 
is acceptable to them, whether it be a crust of bread, cheese bait, 
sturgeon roe, worm, liver, or soft crab. The " near-b}^ " angler 
will have to do with two varieties, the Yellow and the White 
Catty. 

The former is the most abundant and is found at nearly all 
seasons in ponds, ditches, sluices and meadow ditches. It is not 
what may be termed a cleanly fish. It is a ravenous feeder, but 
not an eager biter. Having an unusually large mouth and leath- 
ery jaws, when once hooked, its capture is certain. As to its 
edible qualities, they are not to be highly commended, though 
there are other fish that are no better. 

The latter, known as the WJiitc or Salt Water Catfish, is 
much the better of the two ; better for gameness and decidedl}^ 
better for the table. It is a free biter, and not specially fastidious 
as to bait. As with the entire catfish tribe, it generally prefers 
quantity to quality. It is an admirable fish for the pan, and as 
most Philadelphians are av/are, is regarded with so much favor, 



51 

that " catfish and waffle " suppers at the Falls of the Schiu-lkill, 
have been and still are regarded as treats of the highest order, 
fairly rivaling the ' ' planked shad ' ' dinners at Gloucester. 

The White or Salt Water Catfish is to be found in nearly all 
the streams within easy reach of Philadelphia, except where the 
water is swift, and from early spring until late fall, when it returns 
to brackish or salt water, remaining there during the winter. It 
is found at man}- places along the Delaware and its Pennsylvania 
and Jersey tributaries. Light tackle and small hooks will answer 
for either variety, with sturgeon roe, earth w^orms or raw liver for 
bait. Catfish may be taken at any time, and are at their best dur- 
ing the cool months, but bite most freely in summer. 

Those who undertake to handle catfish, should exercise a great 
deal of caution, as it is one of the kind that always takes full hold 
of bait and hook, and whose jaws are so leathery and tough, that 
when the hook is fairly embedded in them, it is difficult of extrac- 
tion. It therefore becomes necessary to handle it with the utmost 
care. As its sharp pointed stiff spines are always erect, there is 
danger of wounding, and those who have experienced the sting of 
a catfish need not be told that it is exceedingly painful, and has 
been known to produce fatal results. This is advice for novices. 



THE SHAD. 

{Alosa prcesiabilis.) 

Although Shad are found in such abundance along the entire 
coast of the United States as to give them a commercial value 
almost equal to that of au}^ other fish, comparatively little is known 
of them, beyond the fact that they make their appearance in the 
Delaware earl 3^ in the spring — the time of their arrival being influ- 
enced by the temperature of the water — and that the object is to 
reach the upper waters of the river for the purpose of spawning. 
That process accomplished, they turn their heads seaward, and if 



52 

permitted, return to salt water, remaining there until the following 
spring. What becomes of them during the winter, the most care- 
ful study of their habits has failed to reveal. All that is known 
of them is that they come in the spring and spawn; the 3'Oung are 
hatched, and in the fall they descend the river and find retreats, 
thus far, beyond human ken. 

But what have we to do with Shad in this book on angling ? 
Only this, that they can sometimes be tempted to rise to a dexter- 
ously cast-fly, and in a few instances ha^•e been known to take a 
small bait. The capture of a shad with hook and line is therefore 
to be regarded as a notable achievement, but those who desire to 
bring home well filled creels are advised not to select the shad as 
the subject for their efforts, though of its table qualities nothing 
need be said. While bony to an aggravating degree, the flavor of 
the shad when properh^ cooked — planked or broiled for instance — 
is simply unsurpassed. 

Thaddeus Norris chronicles the fact, that he was once fortu- 
nate enough to hook three in succession, when fishing for perch 
with a bright little minnow below Fairmount dam. and secured two. 

THE ROACH. 

Here we have another fish, upon which the scientific angler is 
vers' apt to look with contempt ; but there is that to be said in 
favor of the Roach, which cannot be said of an}- other fish in near- 
by waters — except the Pike — that it will take a bait on almost any 
bright, sunshin3% warm day during the entire winter. It is small 
but beautiful, with the tiniest of mouths, and yet an eager though 
cautious biter. The lightest kind of tackle is best — a very thin 
line, a single gut snood, armed with several hooks as small as No. 
II Kirb}^ ; a very light float, and just enough of a sinker to carry 
down the line. The more delicate the rod, the more suitable for 
Roach fishing. The Roach is found at Red Bank, on the Dela- 
ware, and around the whar^'es along the Camden side of the river ; 
in Cooper's and Neshaminy creeks, and in kindred places. 



53 

Roach Bait. 

Varying from six to ten inches in length, quite agreeable sport 
can be had with them during the warm days of winter. Bait with 
dough paste, the bait being only large enough to cover the point of 
the hook. Fish near the bottom, and it may be, that two or three 
hooks placed at intervals of six or eight inches, according to the 
snoods, can be used to advantage. The biting is so nearly imper- 
ceptible as to escape the notice of any but an expert, a fact which 
renders Roach fishing the more interesting. As a table fish, it 
does not rank with the best, but will serve to vary the daily diet 
somewhat. 

THE GERMAN CARP. 

{Cyprinidci'.^ 

As far as we have knowledge, the German Carp is the only 
edible fish ever successfully introduced into American waters from 
foreign countries. The history of its acclimation is interesting, as 
well as encouraging, and the. more so, in that the " near-by " fresh 
waters have so largely profited by its introduction. The encour- 
agement to be drawn from this fact is, that having been successful 
in adding one valuable food fish to our native list, there is a possi- 
bilit}' at least that others equally well adapted to our waters wall 
be found, and like the Carp, become profitable members of our 
many but still too few food-fish families. 

When Introduced into the United StatEvS. 

It is only about twelve years ago, 1877, that Mr. Rudolph 
Hessel, who, at that time, was connected with the United States 
Fishery Commission, brought to this countr^v from Bremen, three 
hundred and forty-five German Carp. They were taken charge of 
by Professor Spencer Baird, the then efficient head of the Commis- 
sion, and under his capable direction, arrangements for artificial 



54 

propagation were immediately made. In addition to that gentle- 
man's theoretical knowledge of the methods of propagation and of 
the prolificness of the Cai-p in German waters, he very soon ascer- 
tained by practical experiment, that a valuable acquisition had been 
made. 

Immediate Demands for Them. 

Those strangers were rapidly propagated, and as freely dis- 
tributed through the country as the supply admitted. No sooner 
were their leading characteristics made known, than there vSprung 
up a great demand for them. The readiness with which they could 
be propagated, their prolificness, hardiness, rapid growth, adapta- 
tion to American waters, and their fairly good edible qualities, 
commended them to favorable consideration. 

Utilization of Waste Land. 

Farmers learning that swamps and bogs, not a\-ailal3le for 
arable purposes, and unsightly as well as unhealthy, could, at a 
small outlay of money and labor, be converted into pleasant-looking 
ponds, in which the German Carp would live and rapidh' multiply, 
became eagerly desirous of securing them. Thousands of acres of 
previously waste lands were thus utilized, and where, as is usually 
the case, there was a small stream of water, the owners had the 
satisfaction of not only seeing those waste places converted into 
profitable use in the shape of 'fruitful fish-ponds, but of securing, in 
addition, a supply of ice from them for summer use. 

General Adaptation to American Waters. 

With the first introduction of the German Carp, there was a 
generally prevalent impression that the}^ were adapted to pond-life 
only, and that they were b}^ nature opposed to streams, save those 
of the most sluggish kind ; but later experience has entirely dissi- 
pated that idea. 



55 

It was only a few years after the first distribution b}* the 
United States Fish Commission at Washington, that the capture of 
strange-looking fish in a gill seine was made in the Delaware, and 
shorth^ thereafter a number were taken with hook and line in the 
Schuylkill, where a few had been placed under the auspices of the 
Fairmount Park Connnissioners. Some escaped from overflowed 
carp-ponds, finding their wa}^ into the nearest streams,/ where they 
speedih' multiplied, until, it can be said of them to-day, that in the 
few intervening 3'ears the}- have — with the exception of the shad 
— become the most plentiful of the larger sized fish in our rivers. 

Will Take the Bait. 

Another erroneous impression was, that the German Carp 
would not take the bait except on rare occasions. It soon began 
to be practically demonstrated that such was not the case, it being 
found that they could not onh' be tempted with certain kinds of 
bait, but during the greater part of the year — the exceptional 
months being the wintry ones, when, if the weather is very cold, 
they retire to the deepest waters, where there is mud bottom, re- 
maining there until the recurrence of more genial temperature. 

River and creek anglers were frequently astonished to find 
themselves contending with large, active and rather gamey fish, 
upon landing which, they discovered that they had been dealing 
with wdiat were to them entire strangers, that had to be taken to 
some ichthyological expert for identification. The Carp increased 
in pond and stream with mar\'ellous rapidit}'. 

ProlificnEvSS. 

x\n idea of the Carp's prolificness will be gleaned from the fact 
that a female of four or five pounds contains, when ready for 
spawaiing, from 400,000 to. 500,000 eggs. If but ten per cent, of 
that vast number are hatched and survive, it is not difficult to un- 
derstand why those comparative strangers ha\'e already* become so 
numerous. 



56 

In view of such facts, the introduction of this fish into Ameri- 
can waters is to be regarded as a valuable 1)oon. Large as were 
the anticipations of those through whose agency they were brought 
here and distributed, they have been greatly exceeded by the prac- 
tical results, and it is very evident that most of the ' ' near-by ' ' 
rivers have been sufficiently stocked with them to warrant confi- 
dence in the belief that they will become so abundant as to have a 
commercial as well as a sporting value, and that in a few years 
they will be found side by side on the fish stalls with the striped 
bass, perch, pike and other well known varieties. 

A Provider for Game Fishes. 

There is one feature connected with the carp that entitles it to 
favorable consideration. Not being predacious, and yet a wonder- 
ful propagator of its species, its 3'oung will suppl}^ food for the 
Black Bass, Striped Bass, Wall-Eye Pike and other kinds that sub- 
sist entirely on animal food, mainly, upon live minnows. 

The Carp's most marked characteristics are hardiness, fecun- 
dity, extraordinary rapidity of growth, adaptation to pure waters 
that are not too rapid, and last but not least, a readiness to take 
the bait. 

Habitats. 

There are as yet no well defined Carp habitats. Large num- 
bers of \'er\' fine ones have been caught with worm bait at the 
mouth of Woodbury Creek, and also in other Jerse}^ tributaries of 
the Delaware ; and in the Neshaminy and Pennypack. For 
several years they have been taken of fine size in almost an}' pool 
between Fairmount dam and as far northward as the Black Bass 
frequent. They have also been killed in the Susquehanna, which 
is a most favorable indication. 

It is yet too soon to determine their habits, as far as biting is 
concerned. A gentleman of Philadelphia who has perhaps taken 



57 

more of them up to this time than an\' other, has been unable to 
determine whether their feeding times are or are not influenced 
by the tides. They appear to bite as well on flood as on ebb, and 
he thinks 'the^^ move in schools, picking up their food wherever 
they chance to find it. 

Bait and Tackle. 

The most taking bait thus far found, has been the common 
red worm, obtained near manure heaps, grains of wheat, a green 
pea, bread crumb paste, a bit of macaroni partially boiled in plain 
water, are all acceptable. Light Bass tackle is best, with a sinker 
just heavy enough to keep the line on the bottom, with the baited 
hook on the ground. A gut leader is always preferable, as the 
carp is a wary fish. The hook should be ver}' small, the bait 
ditto, as the mouth is of the most limited dimensions. It is easily 
frightened, therefore, the more profound the quiet the greater the 
likelihood of success. When a bite is perceived, do not be in a 
hurry, as the fi.sh will begin to move when it has fairly mouthed 
the bait. When it does move, then strike. 

The close season is from the ist of Ma}^ until the ist of Sep- 
tember, the lav^-eading thus : " It shall not be lawful to catch, 
kill, take or remove in any manner from any public lake, stream 
or spring, any fish of an}- size or age of the species known as the 
' German Carp, ' during Ma\^ June, July, or August of any 
year. ' ' There is no close season for Carp in New Jersey. 

Three VarietiEvS. 

There are three distinct varieties of the German Carp, all of 
which have representatives in Pennsylvania and New Jersey 
waters. They are respectively known as the " Scale Carp," the 
"Leather Carp," and the "Mirror" Carp. 




^*.y 



THE ASIATIC OR SCALE CARP. 

{Cvprinus carpio coiuDiiDiis.^ 

The first named, the " Scale Carp," is said to be the original 
species improved, though it is not stated what the original species 
looked like. It has regularly, concentrically arranged scales, as is 
shown in the illustration. It is a handsome fish, and whether for 
gameness or the table, has thus far the preference over the other 
varieties. Whether it is less prolific or whether there has been a 
sparser planting of them, has not yet been determined, but thus 
far, the scale species is not nearly as plentiful as the " leather " or 
* ' mirror. ' ' 








The Leather Carp. 



59 
THE LEATHER CARP. 

iCyprinis carpio coriaceus^ sive Jiudiis.) 

The ' ' Leather ' ' Carp has the marked peculiarit}' of having 
on its back a single row of scales — sometimes none at all, while 
the other parts of its bod}^ are covered with a soft, thick skin, 
velvety to the tonch, and which becomes slini}^ when handled. 

KING OR MIRROR CARP. 



^^^r^j.^.^ 






J 



(^Cyprinus carpo specula vis.) 

The third is the King or " Mirror" Carp, so-called from the 
very large and irregularly placed scales which run along the bod^^ 
in three or four rows, leaving the rest of the body bare. 

Each of the three has its admirers, hence it is difficult to de- 
termine which is really entitled to general supremac3\ All of them 
are beautiful, and are so strongly built and so well formed as to 
readily explain their gamey qualities. Another characteristic is 
the unusual quantity of blood. When being cleaned, this becomes 
very apparent, and suggests that if they were bled — as all fish 
should be immediately after capture, the quality of the flesh 



6o 

would be materialh^ improved. They are also exceedingl}^ tena- 
cious of life. Instances have come under the writer's obser^^ation , 
in which, after being out of the water for three or four hours, they 
become as lively as ever when restored to their native element. 

No apology is offered for the amount of space given to these 
fish. They are to be regarded as most valuable additions to our 
list of food fishes, as they are the only one of trans- Atlantic origin 
ever made. Their remarkable adaptation to American waters has 
already been practically demonstrated as well as their enormous 
capacities for reproduction. In many parts of Europe they are 
regarded with much favor for table purposes, and there is room for 
the belief that when they have lived in our fresh waters for some 
time, the quality of their flesh will be materially improved, at 
least, such is the opinion of those who ha^'e given them careful 
study. 

Having thus, in a familiar way, given the habitats and most 
marked characteristics of the " near-by " fresh water edible fishes, 
it only remains to be said, that as " whatever is worth doing at all 
is worth doing well," so the person who desires to indulge in 
either " near-by " or " far off " freshwater fishing, should enter 
upon that kind of recreation properly equipped. 

Assuming that such outings will be repeated at least several 
times during the summer and fall, a moderate outfit will be found 
essential to comfort and success. Such an outfit can be expensive 
or inexpensive according to the taste and exchequer of the pur- 
chaser. A novice should begin with what is known as a light 
perch or bass rod, unless he aspires to the taking of the large 
striped bass at the mouth of the Susquehanna, when a heavier will 
be required. Next, a good, smooth-running, hundred yard reel, 
a nine-thread Cutty hunk cable-laid or braided hempen or silk line; 
a small assortment of hooks of different sizes, which may comprise 
Sproat, Limerick, Kirby, Chestertown or any other of the standard 
varieties. The hooks should be snooded, and single gut w^ll be 
found sufficient for any but the heavier fishins:. A few two and 



6i 

three foot leaders may come into pla}-, also a few light dipsies and 
split shot, and one or two neat floats. If bass or trout fishing is 
contemplated, a pair of wading pants, a landing net, a basket 
creel, and a reel for drying lines will be needed. vSuch an equip- 
ment can be made to cost a great deal of money, or it can be pur- 
chased at an outlay within the means of almost any one, and will 
answer the purpose as well as the more expensive, besides being 
adapted for the lighter kinds of sea fishing, which w^ill be con- 
sidered in subsequent chapters. But whatever materials comprise 
the outfit, let them be of good quality. There is no economy in 
buying cheap tackle. 



"NEAR-BY" 
SALT WATER FISHING. 



Although the sea — or any salt water— is not less than from 
fift}^ to sevent3^-five miles from Philadelphia, so man}- are the lines 
of communication with it, so rapid the transit and so reasonable 
the fare, that places even more than a hundred miles away, may 
properl}' be classed under the head of " near-by " fishing localities. 
The nearest points, as Atlantic City, Somers Point, and Ocean 
City, can be reached in from ninet}^ to an hundred minutes, the 
first named by three roads, the latter by one — the West Jersey. 
By taking one of the earliest morning trains, either of the places 
named is reached by it in time to afford the angler, who has but a 
single day for a fishing outing, six or eight hours sport and ample 
time to secure a home passage by the latest train. 

There are other points as Sea Isle City, Townsend's Inlet, 
Avalon, Anglesea, and Cape May southward, and the many places 
on Barnegat Bay as Tuckerton, Beach Haven, Harv^ey's Cedars, 
Barnegat City, Waretown, Forked River, Toms River and Sea- 



62 

side Park, which can be reached by the latest train in the after- 
noon — leaving generall}^ about four o'clock — and giving a whole 
day's fishing next da}^ and a returning train the evening. That, to 
be sure, involves the additional expense of a night's hotel accom- 
modation, but compensation is found in the facts that you have a 
longer time for fishing, and the best part of the day — the morn- 
ing — for its enjoyment. 

There are main- who can take a day's fishing on legal holi- 
days only, as Decoration Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day — 
when banks, stores and public offices are closed — therefore, whether 
it rains or shines, whether the tides suit or otherwise, having no 
choice in the matter, they must take things as they find them — 
favorable or unfavorable. 

There are others who are not thus tied down by business, 
wdio can go and come at their own pleasure, and who therefore can 
arrange for a fishing trip to the seashore and thus 

Avoid Disappointme:nts. 

At nearh' all prominent fishing localities, are persons who are 
willing to give the needed information in regard to tides, bait, boats 
boatmen, etc. A line addressed to such persons will generally bring 
a prompt response, if the request is accompanied with a postage 
stamp for a reply. In lieu of a better resource, apply to the post- 
master, who will either himself answer, or hand you a note to some 
one who will. Being thus informed, subsequent arrangements can 
be intelligently made, and you will be well repaid for your 
trouble. 

You may have tide, boatmen, bait, fish and weather just right 
on any legal holiday, or on any other day you may select for j^our 
outing ; the fish ma^- be plentiful and in a biting mood, and you 
may have a good time, and then again, 3'OU may not. It is, there- 
fore, alwa3^s advisable — if sport is your object and 3-0U can do it — 
to make vour arran2:ements some davs in advance. 



63 
A Salt Water Fisherman's Outfit. 

The outfit needful for angling in salt waters, although required 
to be stronger and stouter — as far as tackle is concerned — than 
that used for fresh water fishing, is much more simple and less ex- 
pensive. As most sea-fishing is done from boats, there is not only 
no necessity for long rods, but an almost positive requirement that 
the extreme length shall not exceed eight and a half feet — seven 
and a half is better. The lumbering, heavy rod— once called the 
standard — should be wholly discarded, and the much lighter, more 
easily handled and equally effective one purchased. Such a rod 
can be had of excellent quality for from four to five dollars at an}' 
of the tackle stores. If 3'ou can afford the outlay, alwa3\s carrj^ 
two, for the sea is big, and there's no telling what kind of a fish 
will take your bait. Accidents, 3'ou know, will happen, and it is 
exceedingly provoking to find ones-self at sea, with a broken rod, 
and the fish biting. 

Sea Lines and Reels. 

There is no better line for sea-fishing than the cable-laid 
hempen, Cuttyhunck or its equivalent. A nine-thread is strong 
enough for any ordinary fishing, and is to be preferred, as the tide 
friction is not nearly as great as when a heavier one is used, conse- 
quently, a lighter dipse}' will answer. It will not be amiss, how- 
ever, to have a heavier one in reserve. 

A good reel is indispensable to comfortable and successful sea- 
fishing. One that will not corrode is to be preferred; but whether 
of brass, nickel, German-silver or rubber, be sure to get one that 
runs smoothl3\ If, in making your selection, 3^ou come across one 
that has a halting, hesitating, harsh movement, incontinently 
reject it, even though made of solid silver. You can suit yourself 
as to price, as reels are made at from one dollar to fifty, with all 
intermediate grades. From five to ten dollars will purchase one 
of excellent quality, which should be of the capacity of about one 
hundred 3'ards of line. 



64 

Snoods and Leaders. 

Gut snoods and leaders are always preferable to twine. They 
are a little more costly but the additional expense is not hea\'3\ 
Some salt water anglers think two or three foot leaders indispens- 
able, others reject them entirely, preferring the simple long snood, 
looped on to the line. Tightly twisted snoods are not the best, as 
they are apt to be affected by the salt water and unravel unplea- 
santly. 

Hooks. 

Of hooks there should always be carried a good assortment, 
avoiding how^ever, the too frequent error of buying the largest 
sizes. A few years ago the impression prevailed that large 
hooks were absolutely essential for sea fishing, but, as light, short 
rods have superseded the long heavy ones, so the smaller hooks 
have, to a considerable extent, taken the place of the larger. In 
point of fact, the cumbrous tackle of years ago has been pretty 
much laid aside, greatly to the enhancement of fishermen's com- 
fort. 

As there is no certainty as to the depth of the water in which 
sea-fishing is to be done, and as the tides vary in force, it is well 
to provide an assortment of dipsies, varying in weight from 
half an ounce to four ounces. They are made of many shapes and 
are known as swivel, screw, hollow-ball, etc. The hollow-ball is 
used mainly for sheep' s-heading, the others for almost any kinds 
of sea-fishing. 

A Few Other Essentials. 

A pair of cheap overhauls, a landing net, a pair of plyers, a 
good sized, sharp clasp knife, a fine file, a bit of sand paper, and 
a small sized leather caba to contain the tackle. A drying reel, 
for drying lines that have been wetted with salt water, should con- 
stitute part of the outfit. It costs only fift}- cents, and will pay for 
itself twice over everv season. 



65 

There are those who cannot be persuaded to abandon the old- 
time, heavy hand-line in sea-fishing. That kind of tackle is one of 
the relics of a past age. It is cumbrous, tiresome to handle, un- 
certain and frequently most annoying. If you intend becoming a 
professional or even an amateur fisherman, make up your mind to 
begin with the rod and reel, and cast the hand-line to the "owls 
and bats. ' ' You can use the rod and reel in any water, where a 
hand-line can be, and in many places w^here the latter is not avail- 
able. Other things being equal, 3' on w^ill catch more fish, and 
3'our sport will be ten times greater. The rod is not of course 
recommended for cod fishing, though it might be made available 
there. 



^- 







THE FLOUNDER. 

(P/afessa vulgaris.) 

Although this singular fish has no title to the designation of 
"gamey," it has two virtues, which are of a highly redeeming 
character. The first is, it is the pioneer of the lure-taking sea 
fishes in the spring, and the last to leave in the fall. It is on hand, 
generally speaking, from the first of April until November, biting 



66 

all the time, when opportunity is aitorded it. It is a gentle 
nibbler, but sometimes takes vigorous hold, and if the hook is 
not too large to be swallowed, the catch is sure. Naturally-, from 
its peculiar shape, the Flounder feeds on the bottom and must be 
fished for there. Small hooks are required, and as to bait, while 
it no doubt has its preferences it will take almost any that is 
offered — a bit of clam, or sand worm, crab or mussel, alike appear- 
ing to be relished. 

Second Redkkmin'g Virtue. 

The Flounder's second redeeming virtue is its excellent table 
quality. Although not the best fish the sea produces, it is far 
from being the poorest, in a word, when properh' cooked, it is fit 
for any table. 

As to the Flounder's habitat, it may be said to be everywhere. 
Barnegat Bay abounds with them in earl\- spring, especially in the 
vicinity of Forked River, at Harve}-'s Cedars, Beach Ha\'en, and 
indeed anywheres in the Bay, and in greater or less al)undance at 
almost any point along the Jersey coast. 



thp: black fish. 

( Ta u toga on His . ) 

Among the earliest sea-biting fishes is the Tautog or Black Fish, 
so called. Its arri\'al is pretty nearly contemporaneous with that 
of the Flounder, and like that earh' bird, it takes the bait at once. It 
is a free biter, and when taken of a pound weight and upwards, 
may be called gamey, as it is powerfully finned and ver}^ .stronglj^ 
built. 

The Tautog loves rock-strewn tideways, wrecks, old wharves, 
and piers, where small mollusks are to be found. It also frequents 
the sedgy and sodd\- edges of meadows, where the water is deep 
and the tide not too strong, and can be taken from early April 
until the middle of October. 



The tackle required is pretty much the same as that for weak- 
fish in point of strength, but the hooks should be smaller and of 
stronger wire. The Chesteftown is admirably adapted for Tau- 
tog fishing, though for that matter, an}' of the stronger vStandard 
kinds will answer. Fasten the snood so that when the line is per- 
pendicular, the hook will be somewhat less than a foot from the 
bottom. Hard clam, sand worms and fiddlers are greatly relished. 




The Black Fish. 



In regard to its qualities, the Tautog has few superiors. The 
flesh is white and firm, and if properly cooked, it is one of the 
most toothsome of salt-water fishes. It must not be confounded 
with the Sea Bass, which is frequentlj^ done, because, perhaps, 
that fish after it is dead, is nuich blacker in hue than the Tautog, 
which in respect of color, is singularly mis-named. The Tautog has 
a heavy coat of scales, that is not readily removed unless the fish is 
first dipped in strong vinegar. A better way is to skin it, which is 
easily done, and is considered preferable with a great many of 
the smaller thick-skinned fishes. 



68 




THE WEAK-FLSH OR SQUETEAGUE. 

( Cj 'nosi'ou regal is. ) 

This beautiful fish, which in point of rich coloring has no 
superior in our coast waters, is varioush^ known as the "weak- 
fish," "blue fish," "sea trout," " wheatfish " etc., but whence 
it derived its most commonly applied name, " weakfish," has never 
been satisfactorily determined. It is one of the gamest of our sea- 
fishes, equalling in that respect the Striped Bass, but lacking that 
noble fish's powers of endurance. It takes the bait with the same 
greedy avidity, and its first dashes are tremendous, if the hooked 
fish be of good size, say two or three pounds. The larger the fish 
the more powerful its struggles, and the more prolonged its contest 
for life. 

Eaki.y Biters. 

A few years ago it was generally believed along the Jersey 
coast, that weak-fish would not take the bait until about the first 
of July, but that belief has been completely exploded by facts. For 
five years past the writer has caught them in large numbers in 
Cape May waters, earl}^ in May, though none but females, and 
they in gravid condition seemed inclined to bite. As the season 
advances, they make their appearance all along the coast, the dif- 
ference in time between their first arrival at the Cape and at Atlan- 
tic City or Barnegat Ba}^ being from two to three weeks. They 
remain during the summer and until the latter part of September, 
when the}^ commence their southward migration in schools. They 
are then in their finest condition for the table and in their gamest 



69 

moods. Immense quantities of them are taken at that time, the 
almost entire coast from Sandy Hook to Cape May being lined with 
3'achts and other small craft filled with eager fishermen. 

During the summer, the weak-fish are found in all the estu- 
aries in greater or less abundance, and at various points in Dela- 
ware Bay on both sides, from Ship John Light to the Breakwater. 
Although there are certain stages of the tide w^hen they feed most 
vigorously, the}' are very capricious, frequently biting freely at 
most unexpected places, tides and times. 

Various Methods of Angling for Thkm. 

The}' are not strictly surface fish, nor 3'et what are know^n as 
bottom fish. In some localities in Barnegat Ba}', especiall}^ on the 
flats, opposite Waretown and Forked River, they are most readily 
taken with a float and a light sinker, and wath the hook wdthin two 
or three feet of the surface. Those caught there, and in that way, 
are usuall}' of small size. In Great Egg Harbor Bay the same 
style of rig will answer, but only on the flood tide, when the flats 
are well covered, and the water from six to ten feet deep. The fish 
there are of larger size than in Barnegat Bay. x\s a rule, the 
largest fish are not taken near the surface, though of course there 
are exceptions. The writer's experience has satisfied him, that 
the most effective tackle for deep water fishing — from fifteen to 
thirty feet and upwards — is a sufficiently heavy sinker to keep the 
line taut, and the lower bait on or very near the bottom. At a 
snell's length above the sinker, loop a single snell on to the line, 
and three or four feet farther up, a two or three foot leader, or a 
single-length gut snell. The lower hook should be smaller than 
the upper, as the chances are largely in favor of capturing hake or 
king-fish while angling for weak-fish. 

When They Bite Best. 

During the flood-tide, the weak-fish generally keep in the 
channel-ways, where they go in search of food ; but when the tide 



70 

begins to ebb, the}' are almost certain to seek the deeper water, 
where they remain until the next change of the tide again entices 
them to their feeding grounds. Experienced fishermen regard the 
latter half of the flood and the first of the ebb-tide as the best 
stages for successful fishing. They will take the bait readily at 
night. 

Big Catch or SroRT? 

When a big catch is desired and sport is only a secondary con- 
sideration, a comparatively heavy, short rod is needed — one that 
will bear the weight of a sinker sufficiently heavy to carry the 
line and the bait quickh' to the bottom, and also admit of the 
rapid reeling in of the fish ; but if real sport is the object, use a 
bass-bait-rod. from seven and a half to eight feet in length, a reel 
that will carry a hundred yards of the finest linen line and i o or 2 , oo 
hooks of the make you prefer. A light sinker will answer. The 
large hooks, once considered indispensable, should be avoided. 

A Taut I^ine. 

The sight of the weak-fish is said to be keener and sharper 
than that of an}- other estuary fish, hence the greater probability 
of a good catch when the water is not ' ' thick, or ' ' riley. ' ' It takes 
the bait with a rush, and the moment the strike is felt, keep a 
taut line on your prize until it is safely landed. Do not permit an 
inch of loose or slack line, for the mouth of the weak-fish is large, 
and the sides of the jaws thin and tender, so that when the hook 
penetrates that part, as it is very apt to do, there is certain to be a 
large orifice, which, if the line is not kept taut, enables it to throw 
out the hook and escape. 

Table Qualities. 

Although a small weak-fish has little or nothing to recom- 
mend it for table use, the larger ones are just the reverse. The 



71 

meat is white, and that of the four and five pounders, almost as 
flaky and well flavored as that of the salmon ; but to have it in 
perfection, the weak-fish should be bled before it dies, and cooked 
soon after being caught. 

As far as bait is concerned, soft or shedder crabs are always 
acceptable, indeed, maj^ be regarded as the best, though at times 
a piece of clam, a black muSvSel, the throat-latch or e}'e of a brother 
weak-fish, or a three inch shiner, will prove equally attractive. In 
the spring of the ^-ear, shrimp bait is by all odds the best and for 
that matter, is good at any time if the water is clear. 

For the earliest fishing on the Jersey coa.st, go to the Cape 
May thoroughfares about the middle of Ma}^ For later fishing 
3'ou will find them in almost au}^ of the estuaries of the coast, and 
in great abundance at many points on both sides of the Delaware 
Bay, notably at Slaughter's Beach, on the West and at Ship John 
Light, Fortescue Beach, Bay Side, and on the "Shell beds" oppo- 
site Fishino: Creek. 




THE SPOTTED SQUETEAGUE. 

This comparatively scarce fish in Northern waters, a mem- 
ber of the weak-fish family, is a native of the South, and is especi- 
ally plentiful along the Carolina coast and on the iVtlantic and Gulf 
coasts of Florida. It is in several respects better than its relative, 



the weak-fish, being not only as voracious a biter, but nuich more 
ganiey, and with greater powers of endurance, while its table 
qualities are decidedly superior, the meat being white, firm, flak}^ 
and well flavored. It is besides a much better keeper. 

It is to be regretted that so few of them visit the North. 
Those that are taken are generally of good size, weighing from two 
to five pounds. In the South, they are known as "Sea Trout," 
and are so abundant there as to have a large commercial value. 







THE BLUE FISH. 

{Temjiodon Sa/ tutor.) 

' • The pirate of the ocean ' ' is one of the appropriate designa- 
tions given the famous Blue-fish, a fish that has afforded as much 
enjoyment to those who are not particular as to the manner of fish 
capture, as perhaps, any other that swims. While it is one of the 
most unyielding of fighters, the usual method employed for killing 
it is not, in any sense, sportsmanlike. It requires no skill — the 
fish hooking itself. It is only a contest of strength between the 
person who holds the trolling line and the struggling fish at the 
other end of it. It is that simple fact, coupled with the exhilara- 
tion of the sailing, however, that gives blue-fishing its special 
charm in the estimation of so many. Any one — even the merest 
novice — who can stand the sea when a stiff breeze prevails, and 
whose hands can endure the friction of the trolling line, is just as 
likely to be successful as the most experienced angler. It is well 
that it is so, for while the love of fishing is innate, only the com- 



parativeh^ few have the time and opportunit}' for indulging it, that 
are requisite to constitute them anglers in the true .sense of that 
term. Hence, thousands find healthful and delightful recreation 
in trolling for the murderous blue-fish, not a few of them being of 
the weaker sex, who, ever on the alert for chances to place them- 
selves on an equality with man kind, have discovered in that sort 
of recreation a wished-for opportunity, and rarely fail to improve it. 

When thkv come. 

The appearance of the Blue-fish along the Jerse}^ coast is regu- 
lated in a large degree b}" the temperature of the water, though it 
is suggested by those who have made it a matter of close stud}', 
that the time of their arrival is governed by that of the men- 
haden and other fish which constitute their fa^'orite food. Be 
that as it may, they are sure to put in an appearance about the ist 
of Jiuie, remaining until October, the larger ones not migrating 
until the latter part of the month. 

Outfit. 

Blue-fishing is such a simple process, that little can or need be 
said either in regard to the tackle, bait or style of fishing. The 
requisites are a stout cotton line some three hundred feet in length, 
and a squid of bright metal of such style as may suit the taste or 
caprice of the purchaser. The hands should be protected against 
the friction of the line by a pair of stout gloves, woolen or leather, 
or a set of gum finger-stalls — the gloves to be preferred. Troll- 
ing naturally suggests a sail boat and a spanking breeze, for with- 
out both, blue-fishing cannot be done. Therefore, after hav- 
ing secured your line, squid and gloves, your only care will be to 
find your boatman and the breeze. 

Old Fashioned Squids. 

Prior to the days when brilliant squids became fashionable, a 
piece of wood, covered with dried eel-skin, and with a hook 



74 

attached, was almost the only squid known, and it is said by those 
acquainted with blue-fishing twenty-five 3'ears ago, that fiill}^ as 
many were taken with that primitive lure as with the more highly 
finished and costly ones of to-day. 

Rod and RkeIv Bluk-fishing. 

But Irolling is not the only method of taking this formidable 
fish, nor is that method generally regarded as sportsmanlike. The 
other method, although not generally practiced, is one that taxes 
alike the tackle and the skill of the angler. A great deal has been 
said within a few years in regard to Tarpum fishing in the waters 
of Southern Florida. Men who have succeeded in capturing that 
king of fishes have rightly earned renown, and their names have 
been duly chronicled as being fairly entitled to a place on the 
scroll of fame, but notable as such achievements have been, they 
are scarcely more so than the taking and killing with rod and reel, 
a twelve or fifteen pound blue-fish, when on his way southward 
in October, in the full vigor of health and strength. Those who 
have tried conclusions with such, will readily agree that they are 
the gamest of the game, and with powers of endurance that are 
truly wonderful. 

, Stout tackle is of course required for the kind of angling 
alluded to, not so much in the rod as in the line and hook. An 
eighteen thread Cuttyhunk two hundred yards long, and a corres- 
pondingly large reel will answer the purpose, with a large, strong 
hook attached to piano wire. Without this last precaution, you 
may as well not attempt the capture of the Blue-fish, for his jaws 
are so armed with formidable teeth of razor-like sharpness, that a 
line quadruple the size of that recommended, would be instantly 
severed if brought in contact with them. 

How THE Angling is done. 

Thus equipped, the fisherman anchors his boat at some point 
near where the blue fish are in the habit of frequenting ; and in 



75 

order to keep his hook from sinking too deep, a float should be 
placed three or four feet above the bait. While an artificial bait — 
as a minnow — will sometimes tempt a strike, something more 
edible will be found decidedly more effective in still fishing. A 
piece of fresh menhaden or other bright colored fish, is a sure bait. 

Having thus prepared himself for the fray, the angler awaits 
the arrival of his intended victim. His patience may be severely 
taxed, or he may be at once rewarded with a strike. When it does 
come, there will be a commotion, for no sooner does the blue-fish 
feel the prick of the hook, than he darts awa}' at a rate that 
threatens to make instant wreck of tackle, but, as with all other 
fishes of his class, this one must be dealt w4th coolly and calmly. 
Give him line freely but judiciously, and if possible, keep it taut 
all the time. He may " run up " on you, and when he gains that 
"coign of vantage," he has a way of ridding himself of the hook 
not readil}^ comprehended, but withal a fact. Therefore, keep a taut 
line, reeling him tow^ards 3'ou whenever he manifests the slightest 
disposition to humor your inclinations in that respect. If— as he is 
almost certain to do— he goes with the tide when hooked, your 
labors become the more severe, but perseverance and good tackle 
handled with masterl}-^ skill, will ultimately win, and when 3'ou 
have landed 3'our first big blue-fish, 3-ou wdll be likely to confess 
that you never before tackled one of his size, that struck more 
fiercel}^ ran with greater swiftness, pulled harder or fought longer 
or more bravely. Those who have taken the "Tailors" of the 
Chesapeake and of the estuaries of the Atlantic coast, can form 
an idea of the tremendous powers of the adult blue-fish. Tailors 
are the young blue-fish. 

Perhaps no other fish common to American salt w^aters, 
possesses a greater amount of interest for the angler or the ichthy- 
ologist. The more "the wolf of the sea" is studied, the more 
interesting it becomes. Either always hungry or slaying for the 
mere love of it, the blue-fish is a fit representative of the Ish- 
maelite, whose hand was against everybody and ever3^bod3^'s 
against his. Built for strength and swiftness, armed with teeth of 



76 

the most formidable character and stimulated b}^ an appetite that 
appears to be insatiate, he roams the waters at will, carrying 
havoc and death with him wherever he goes. Professor Baird, in 
his well-known description of the blue-fish and its habits, says: — 
* ' Such is the glutton}' of this fish that when the stomach becomes 
full, the contents are disgorged and then again filled. ''^ * -'^ ^ 
Going in large schools in pursuit of fish not much inferior to them- 
selves in size, the}^ mive along like a pack of hungry wolves, 
destroying everything before them. Their trail is marked by frag- 
ments of fish and b}' the stain of blood in the sea, as, where the fish 
is too large to be swallowed entire, the hinder part will be bitten 
off and the anterior part allowed to float away or sink." And this 
destructive spirit is displayed b}^ the younger fish, as fully as b}^ 
the adults. 

The authority just quoted, estimates the number of blue-fish 
captured during the season at not less than a million individuals ; 
that as probably not one of the fish in a thousand of those exist- 
ing in the sea is ever taken by man, therefore, there is a thousand 
million of them on the coast between New Jersey and Monomoy. 
An allowance often fish per day to each blue-fish is not excessive, 
w^hich gives ten thousand million of fish destroyed by them daily, 
and as the stay of the blue-fish is about one hundred and twent}^ 
days, we have, in round numbers, twelve hundred million millions 
offish devoured by them in a season. "Again, if each blue-fish 
averaging five pounds, destroj^s even half its own weight per day, we 
will have during the same period, a daily loss of twenty-five hun- 
dred million pounds, equal to three hundred thousand millions for 
the season.". These are stupendous figures, absolutely bewilder- 
ing, and would not be quote i but for the fact that they have been 
prepared by so reliable an authority as Professor Baird. When the 
blue-fish season arrives, you will hardly be at a loss where to look 
for them. Sometimes Barnegat Bay is literally alive with them, 
as is Great Egg Harbor Bay. Outside is the place to look for 
them, and the various inlets are the channels of egress to where 
they abound. 



77 




THE KING FISH. 

Hakk — Whiting — Barb. 

(^Mtiiticirrus nebidosis.) 

This fine representative of sea food-fishes has alwa^^s enjoyed 
a most en^^iable reputation, whether for the table or for gameness 
wlien hooked. In such high esteem was it held b}^ the New 
Yorkers in colonial days, that in order to show their high appreci- 
ation of its many admirable qualities, they called it the King fish, 
considering the appellation mutualh^ complimentary to the fish and 
to the King. 

It needs not the telling to those familiar with the edible char- 
acteristics of the King fish, that they rank with the best, and are 
generalh^ held in such repute by fish epicures. For its size, it is 
one of the heaviest of fishes, which is largely due to the fact that it 
is remarkable for the solidity of its flesh, and for the comparativeh^ 
small portion of the fish itself which goes to w^aste in the cleaning. 
The flesh is pure white, of close, laminated, flaky texture, and 
whether for the pan or for chowder, is preferred to most others hy 
those who claim to be experts in fish preparation and eating. 

Although not in any way related to the weak-fish, the King 
fish appears to be very fond of his company, as is evidenced 
by the fact that the two are so frequently taken on the same 



78 

grounds. So common is this companionship, that as recommended 
in describing weak-fish tackle, it is alwa3\s advisable to have a 
small hook for the bottom one, and it on the ground, in order to 
accommodate the King fish. 

It is most conunonly found on a clean sandy bottom, prefer- 
ring the edge of channels and sand bars during the flood-tide, retir- 
ing to the deeper waters as the tide recedes. It makes its appear- 
ance co-temporaneousl}' with, and departs a])out tlie same time as 
the weak-fish. At times it is exceedingh- plentiful. The season of 
1888, as was that of 1880, was noted for the a1)undance and size 
of the King fish along the entire coast, but especially at Anglesea, 
where the writer and a friend took an hundred and sixty-eight on 
a single tide, most of them of good size and some of them ver3^ 
large for those waters. 

It is gregarious in its ha))its, running in schools, and fre- 
quentl}^ remaining in one locality as long as toothsome bait is fiu"- 
nished b}^ the fishermen. 

As to the gameness of the King fish, there can be no dis- 
pute. Its claims to distinction in that respect, are very strong 
even among the smaller ones, but when a two or three pounder is 
hooked, all doubts on the subject are removed. It is a free, in fact 
a ravenous biter ; not so impuLsive as the weak-fish, but fully as 
earnest, taking hold with a vim that lea\'es no room for the infer- 
ence that business is not meant. vSeizing the bait in a lively man- 
ner and without nibbling or hesitation, he only needs the prick of 
the hook to start him off at a rate of speed that fairly astonishes. 
Swimming low, his runs are generall}' long ones until he is brought 
up on a round turn by the angler, when he changes his tactics, 
and if the water is deep, resorts to the methods adopted b}- the 
sheepshead— diving downward repeatedly, and if he is a two or 
three pounder and you are not on the alert— the tip of your rod is 
almost certain to be drawn under the water. The persistence with 
which he maintains his struggles to escape, fairl}^ entitles him to 
the designation gi\'en to him b}^ Scott, ' ' the king of game 
fishes." 



79 

As alread}' stated, the Kiiig-fisli is of the bottom kind, and 
must be fished for there. Having a small month, a small strong 
hook is requisite, and a correspondingh^ small bait. In angling 
for it, do not make the mistake of offering a large bait. A two 
foot leader looped about a foot above the sinker, is a good rig, but 
it will, the writer thinks, be found a more certain method to have 
a single gut snood looped three or four inches above the sinker. 
With a light springy rod, and correspondingly light tackle, in 
wTtter of from ten to fifteen feet in depth, and with King-fish plen- 
tiful, no better angling sport could be desired. 

^ As alread}^ remarked, plentifulness of the King-fish is not 
always an assured thing. Sometimes the}^ disappear almost entirely 
from the estuaries, remaining absent for two or three years, then 
suddenl}^ reappear in great numbers and of large size. 

Although not remarkable for beaut}^ of coloring, it is far from 
being a homely fish in that respect. It has man}- handsome tints, 
and when first taken from the water is a comely creature, making 
up in gracefulnCvSS of form and admirable proportions for strength 
and endurance what it lacks in other particulars. 

The King-fish is not fastidious in its tastes. Hard clam bait, 
cut small, is always acceptable ; shedder crab is never refused, 
black-mussels are greatly relished, and fish bait cut from the side of 
a small sea bass is always welcomed. 

THE SPANISH MACKEREL. 

[Sconibcromorus luaculatiis. ) 

The Spanish mackerel, whether for beauty, svriftness, grace, 
gameness or edible qualities, fairly challenges comparison Avith any 
other fish that swims in salt water. Although taken at times along 
the entire Jerse}^ coast, it is rarel}- numerous there, and when it 
does appear in au}^ considerable abundance, is generall}' found far 
from the shore — farther than where the blue-fish usually forages. 
Being evidentl}' finer constituted than that bold bucaneer, less 



8o 

strongly built and not nearly so belligerent, the Spanish mackerel, 
although a snappy and vigorous biter, lacks the well-known 
powers of endurance and the persistent pluckiness of the blue-fish. 
He fights while he does fight with all his might, but his struggles 
are not protracted, and when he gives up, he does so entirely. His 
surrender is complete, and when landed, he displays faint evidence 
of the fiery vigor that only a few moments before, characterized him. 

Habitats and Habits. 

For a long time, indeed until 1880, the most earnest and 
extended investigation had failed to discover the spawning grounds 
of this fish, when it was announced on what is now undisputed 
authority, that the lower end of Chesapeake Bay was one of the 
principal localities. 



ifftU'iii^,,>i 





Spanish Mackerel. 

Several years ago, the writer was astonished while visiting 
Crisfield, at the lower extreme of the eastern shore of Maryland, to 
learn that Spanish Mackerel were taken in that vicinity in 
immense numbers ; vSeveral thousand having been caught at a 
single seine-haul, a short time previous. The abundance there and 
the whole way down to Cape Charles still continues, though the 
fish are small and exceedingly shy, rarely taking the bait, but 
when they do, showing vigorous fight. 

Although the companion of the blue-fish in its murderous 
maraudings, the Spanish mackerel is not a frequent prize for the 



8i 

troller, which may be in some measure accounted for b^^ the facts 
that the squids used for bUie fishing are too large for its compar- 
atively small mouth, but more reasonably, because it is less inclined 
to feed in that way than its more greedy companions. Possibly 
some of these days a lure will be devised that will tempt and 
capture it more readily. 

Economic Value. 

At present, nearly all that are sent to market are taken in 
seines and pounds, but the number has never been sufficiently large 
to bring the price down to figures that enable any other than the 
affluent to have it grace their tables. It has been computed that 
at twice the price ordinarily paid for the best sea fishes, the Span- 
ish mackerel is the cheapest, leaving excellence in other respects 
out of the question. Having an exceedingly small head and a 
stomach of the most limited capacity, nearly the entire fish is eat- 
able, and those who have partaken of a fresh one nicely broiled, 
need not be told that in point of flavor and delicacy it may have 
a peer, but certainly not a superior. 

The Spanish mackerel makes its first appearance in June, 
about the time of the arrival of the blue-fish, but its stay is shorter, 
as it cannot abide colder water than 60°, and will not remain any 
time wdiere the temperature is as low as that. It leaves before the 
blue-fish, and like the shad and other migratory fishes, goes to 
unknown waters. By the middle of September they are usually 
non est inventus. 

The finest that reach our market come from Seabright and 
other localities on the North Jersey coast. They are taken there 
of good size, much larger than at the mouth of the Chesapeake. 



THE SHEEPSHEAD. 

A glance at the fine illustration will give the reader a fair idea 
of this peculiar fish, peculiar in shape, as well as in some of its 



82 




The SheePvShead. 
(Scirgiis ovis.) 

other leading physical characteristics. Its name is derived from 
the marked resemblance of the front teeth to those of the sheep, 
and a very appropriate name it is. In addition to the front teeth, 
which are used for wresting from their fastenings, barnacles and 
other crustaceans, the mouth of the Sheepshead is paved or 
covered on the upper and lower jaw, with a sort of tooth-mosaic, 
with which powerful, apparatus, moUusks and barnacles are 
readily crushed and their meaty contents appropriated. 

Handsome Fish. 



The sheepshead, as it usually seen on the fish stalls, is dull 
and dingy looking and far from inviting in appearance ; but such 
is not the case when first taken from the water. Its scales are 
large and brilliant, the crescent-shaped bands are a deep rich black 
at the back, gradually lightening to a gray tint near the bell}^ and 
its magnificent equipment of fins is displayed to the best advantage. 
Taken altogether, it is when alive, one of the most beautiful of sea 
fishes, as it is one of the most gamey and toothsome. 



«3 

To capture a Slieepsliead is one of the longings of most fisher- 
men, many of them spending days in a vain effort to achieve such 
a triumph. But Sheepshead fishing is one of the fine art branches of 
anghng, though, until within a few years it was mostly done with 
the hand-line. But now, as in the case of nearl}^ every other kind 
of heavy sea-fishing, the rod-and-reel are most generall}- used, much 
to the enhancement of the anglers' enjoyment. 

Time of Arrival. 

Like all tropical fishes that find their way northward, the time 
of the Sheepshead' s arri^'al is generally presumed to be regulated 
by the temperature of the water, being rarely caught along the 
coast of New Jerse}^ before the first of June, where, some seasons, 
they come in great numbers, and in others in onh^ small detached 
parties. The writer has seen thousands of them off Brigantine 
Beach lying or resting upon the bottom, all attempts to induce 
them to bite proving unavailing, though half an hour thereafter, 
several fine ones were taken at the ' ' wreck ' ' not more than a 
fourth of a mile away. 

How Thky Bite. 

In southern w^aters, especialh' on the Gulf coast of Florida, they 
are readily tempted with fiddler crab, and on the Atlantic coast 
of that State, no more attractive bait than a small bit of the hard 
part of a clam is needed. They bite quickly and must be snubbed 
at the first indication of a bite, if fiddlers are used. Along the Jer- 
sey coast, where the fish are larger and in finer condition, the}^ are 
more wary about bait-taking, biting with a great deal of delibera- 
tion, as though the biter was not hungry. But slow and cautious 
movements must not be accepted as meaning anything less than 
the securing of the bait. He goes about it his own way, taking 
more time to it than is usually consistent with angling tempera- 
ment. The least disturbance of the bait is apt to stop the nibbling 



84 

or sucking, as the Sheepshead is not in the habit of feeding upon 
moving provender. Patience and quiet are the virtues needed, 
and their full exercise is peremptorily demanded, if success is 
desired. You ma}^ be rewarded with a bite at once or you ma}^ 
spend a whole day in the vain endeavour, therefore, prepare your- 
self in advance, for a wait. 

Capturing a Sheepshead. 

If the fellow you are after is of the more impetuous kind, all 
the better. Your enjoyment will be .so much the greater. Many a 
listless angler has caught a Sheepshead, by simply failing to have 
discovered that one was mouthing his bait. When full hold of the 
bait is taken, there will be no longer occasion for hesitation. Strike 
and prepare for a contest. If immediately^ upon being hooked, he 
shoots towards the surface — as he is ver}^ apt to do— take in all the 
line you can in the little time allowed you, for he is certain to 
make a dive towards the bottom, and the movement is so speedy 
as to require you to have rod-and-reel in position for the rush. Let 
him have line, but restrain his movements by keeping it taut. If 
he repeats hi.s sudden downward swift plunges, continue to humor 
him as advised, until, ultimately, you will find his dashes less 
frequent and violent, and you will begin to think you have about 
won the day. But be not over-confident. When he nears the 
surface, drawn thither by the line, he becomes desperate and 
makes his final and not unfrequently successful effort to get away. 
Be prepared for it. Have your landing net ready and take him in 
if you can. If he goes down again and fails to break your hook or 
your leader, you may then pretty certainly calculate upon victory. 
Where the hand-line is used and main strength is pitted against fish 
power, the contest is not so prolonged, nor is the pleasure nearly as 
great. 

Hooks, Tides, etc. 

The breaking of the hook is not so much due to the strength 
or struggles of the fish, as to the fact that it is apt to be caught at 



85 

disadvantage, between the powerful crushing teeth. If the fish is 
hooked in the Hp, escape is not nearly so probable, but, as 3'ou can't 
fasten the hook just where you want it, you must take 3'our 
chances with the "sheep," The best time of tide for taking 
Sheepshead is what ma}' be termed medium tides, that is, an hour 
before and after high and low water, when the current is compara- 
tively slack, for the Sheepshead is not fond of swift water. 

Bait. 

As to bait, a number of kinds are used. A favorite one along 
the Jersey coast is the razor clam, but it is not always procurable. 
Sand clams are also acceptable and good sized lively fiddlers gener- 
ally welcome. The Sheepshead has a soft side for a piece of shedder 
crab, but wdiatever kind is selected — save fiddler — a bait-string 
should be used in order to prevent smaller fish from readih^ nibbling 
away the tempting morsel. 

TiVCKLK. 

As to tackle, only that of the best qualit}^ should be used. A 
twelve thread cable-laid Cutt^diunk is strong enough, and though 
nearly every tackle dealer has hooks made speciall}- for Sheeps- 
head, and charges a good round price for them because they are 
hand-made, strong and sharp, the writer has found the largest 
sized Chestertown adequate for the purpose. It is a mistake to 
use ver}^ large hooks as so many do, though the practice is falling 
into disuse. But a strong hook is requisite, whatever the size. 

A light sea-rod or a stout bass rod will answer, and it should 
not exceed eight feet in length, and should be furnished with the 
kind of reel recommended for general sea-fishing. 

Habitats. 

Sheepshead, although sometimes taken in what, experienced 
fishermen term, out of the way places — have haunts, where they 



86 



usually keep, and where they must be sought ; in the vicinity ol 
wrecks, as the famous iron one off Brigantine Beach, or those a 
mile from Hereford Inlet, seaward ; along steep, soddy, meadow 
banks, where the water is deep and the tide does not run too 
strong. In Barnegat Bay, at several points, they are at times very 
plentiful and are caught in large numbers— near Tuckerton, Beach 
Haven, Barnegat Inlet, in the deep water off Forked River, and 
at the bridge that crosses the Ba^- near Toms River. The thorough- 
fares above Atlantic Cit\' and Long Port a few miles below, are 
excellent points, as are Great Egg Harbor and Corson's Inlets. The 
two latter places can be reached by rail to Sea Isle City, thence to 
Ocean City, where all kinds of sea-fishing may be had in season. 
At many places in the sounds between Cape May and Townsend's 
Inlet, fishermen have fine vSport, and those who desire to partake 
of it, can hardly go astra}^ b}' visiting any of the localities named. 




'.^f^r^^CT'' 



^*&i^^^ 



THE SEA BASS. 

{Ccntrop?^isfus atrarius. — Linn. ) 

Here we have a fish known to nearly all who have ever cast a 
baited hook in salt water along the Jerse}' coast. It is, perhaps, 
more abundant — size not considered — than any other. It is not a 
game fish, but what it lacks in that respect is fully made up in its 



estimable qualities for the table. For chowder, boiling or frA-ing, 
it has few superiors, the flesh being pure white, laminating in com- 
pact flakes, just juicy enough to be agreeable, and of a flavor that 
is hardly surpassed by any other sea fish, when properly served. 

The Sea Bass is usually a bottom fish, and must be sought 
there or not at all. lyike nearly evers' other sea fish, this one has 
a score or more of names. Its habitats are almost everywhere 
along the coast, in the bays and sounds when young, and adults 
in immense numbers outside at many places. The Sea Bass is 
found in almost an}^ of the coast waters where rocks or ledges 
abound ; along the soddy banks pf the thoroughfares, but espe- 
cially on what are know^n as the * ' Banks, ' ' a number of which 
exist along the coast from Cape May to Long Branch. The Five 
Fathom Banks oif Cape May, those about six miles from the 
shore, opposite Anglesea, and several others farther north are noted 
for the number and size of the Bass taken on them. The water 
ranges from thirty to sixty feet in depth, and those who care more 
for quantity than for genuine sport, can indulge their inclinations 
to the full there. Large sloops and schooners visit nearly all of 
the "banks" daily, generally taking out full complements of pas- 
sengers, who pay a dollar for the passage, are provided with line 
and bait, and are entitled to all the fish they catch, the number 
being larger, generally, than they can carry with them. Those 
' ' bank ' ' Basses range in weight from half a pound to five pounds 
or more. They are ravenous feeders, taking clam or fish bait with 
equal avidity, and giving full employment to the fishermen as 
long as they feel disposed to bait, cast and pull up their spoils. 

The rod for such fishing should be a stiff one, as a heavy sinker 
is required, and if two or three hooks are used, the chances of 
taking big fish on each one are good. As the tendency of the Sea 
Bass, when hooked, is down and downward, the reeling of them 
in is simply hard work. Hooks of medium size are best, and as 
the mouth of the Sea Bass is large and of the leathery order, when 
once hooked capture is almost certain. They bite most freeh^ 
during slack water. 




THE CROAKER. 

{Micropagiis undulatus. — Cu vier. ) 

Eight years ago, the Croaker was unknown to the hereabouts 
present generation. About that time it made its appearance in 
immense numbers along the entire coast of New Jersey, causing a 
great deal of excitement among sea-fishermen. Whence the}' came, 
where they belonged and whether the}- had come to stay were 
leading questions. A few veterans whose memories carried them 
back some forty or fifty years, remembered a like visit, and that was 
all. The second >-ear they returned in diminished numbers, their 
abundance decreasing until now only an occasional one is taken. 
It is an outside, bottom fish, consorts with the weak-fish, takes the 
same bait, is a ravenous biter, with leathery jaws and a moderate 
sized mouth. 

In southern waters they are always abundant, and are fairh^ 
esteemed for the table. Those taken here were not regarded 
with much favor, except for the fun of catching them. They 
ranged in weight from half a pound to two and a half pounds. 
The writer weighed a dozen taken by him, which drew the scales 
at thirty pounds. 

THE SPOT OR GOODY. 



This lively little fish is noted alike for its vivacious habits and 
its excellence for the pan. Although the angler in salt water is 



89 

vety apt to make its acquaintance in the course of a day's fishing, 
it is not alwa3's abundant north of the mouth of the Chesapeake. 
Sometimes spots appear in immense numbers. The writer saw so 
many caught at a single haul of the seine at the Breakwater a few 
years ago, that difficulty was experienced in lycwes in getting 
wagons to take them away. 

The Spot, so called from the dark mark near the gill-cover, is 
also known as the ' ' Lafayette, ' ' from the fact of its having 
appeared along the coast in great numbers in 1824, the year of 




The Spot or Goody. 
{Leiostomus xanthurus. ) 

General Lafayette's visit to America. The}' have no special habi- 
tats, being found in greater or less abundance all along the coast. 
The}^ are vexatious little scamps, as they give a sharp nibble and 
then dart swiftly away. If you find them plentiful, rig your light- 
est line and rod with three or four very small and very sharp 
hooks, and let your bait be ditto. Clam is readily taken, as 
are small bits of fish, with the skin adhering. 

Professor Baird said of it, "Of the smaller pan fish of our coast, 
in excellence of flavor, none is considered superior to that known 
as the Lafaj-ette, ' ' an opinion that will be fully endorsed by all who 
have tasted that fish, nicely fried and served hot. The approved 
method of frying them is to swim them in boiling sweet oil, or pure 
sweet lard. 



90 



^A/ 








THE BLACK DRUM, (Young.) 
{/^o^f^oji /as Ch roni is. ) 

The name of this fish is derived from the fact, that it makes a 
noise not unHke that of a drum, or the twang of the heavier string 
of a bass fiddle or of a piano. The drumming is frequently heard 
by fishermen while sitting in their boats awaiting a bite, as well as 
when the fish is landed. When heard in the water, it is generally 
an indication of the breeding season, the louder notes supposed to 
be the call of the male fish to his mate, the fainter ones the 
response, though that is simply conjecture. 



Habitats and Habits. 

The Black Drum — so called, is perhaps the largest fish with 
which hook and line fishermen are called to contend along the sea- 
coast and on the shell beds on the Jersey side of Delaw^are Bay, for 
a considerable distance above Cape May. It is a very solid fish, 
sluggish in its habits, with a great depth of body compared w^th 



its length. It i.s not handsome, the prevaiUng color being a bronze, 
partaking largely of the brown. The body is covered with an 
exceedingly heavy coat of scales, which in the larger fish are verj- 
difficult to remove, a garden hoe being sometimes used for the 
purpose. The teeth are not of the cutting order, but blunt and 
strong, and evidently intended for grinding and crunching mcl- 
lusks of almost any kind. The Drum is charged with being ver}^ 
destructive to the 03^ster beds, though there is no absolute evi- 
dence on that point. It is fairl}- presumable that with such a 
formidable crushing apparatus and w4th the Drum's well-known 
fondness for shell-fish of nearly every kind, if hungr}^ as it 
generally is, it would not pass an oyster bed without testing its 
qualities. 

Surf Fishing for Drum. 

The usual method of fishing for Drum along the coast, in the 
surf, is with the hand-line, with a heavy sinker attached; the hooks 
being fastened above the lead. The fisherman having baited his 
hook with a good sized, whole clam, secured with a bait string, 
takes his position either on the beach or in the water, and makes 
as long a cast as possible. Notwithstanding the weight of the 
sinker, the constant action of the waves urges it towards the shore, 
the fisherman taking in the slack line, which he coils in a box or 
small bucket suspended from his neck. The Drum is frequently 
taken where the water is so shallow as scarcely to hide his body. 

Rod-and-RkeIv for Drum. 

Another method is with the rod-and-reel, which has almost 
entirel}^ superseded the hand-line, except with the old-timers. 
Strong tackle is of course required, as the Black Drum ranges in 
weight from ten to seventy or eighty pounds. In Delaware Bay, 
where the " shell beds " are a mile or more from the shore, Drum 
fishing is done from boats, which is much more pleasant than cast- 



92 

ing for them along the beach. The baiting is the same, the only 
difference between the two methods being, that when a good sized 
drum is hooked in the surf with a hand-line, the contest is one of 
physical strength, while in the rod-and-reel hooking, it is one of 
skill. They scarcely ever bite except while the tide is running up. 

The illustration represents a young fish, which differs from 
the adult in color as well as in shape, the color being lighter and 
the body banded or striped as shown. It is besides, more symme- 
trically formed and decidedly handsomer than the adult. 

The season for Black Drum fishing begins early in May along 
the sea coast ; a little later in Delaware Bay. It is a fish of little 
economic value when of large size, the flesh being dry and insipid. 
The younger fish are more toothsome, but the}- are rarely seen in 
' ' near-by ' ' waters. 




ZIM^ 



THE RED DRUM -CHANNEL BASS. 

( ScYDi a eel la fa.) 

This is essentially the game fish of southern salt waters, taking 
in respect to that quality, the precedence of all others. It is not 
a frequent visitor to the Jersey coast, but is sometimes found there, 
and when found and hooked, the person hooking it likely to make 



^3 

note of the fact. Although of the Drum family, giving utterance 
to the same drumming noise, as the Black Drum, it differs from that 
variety in shape, and somewhat in habits, It is lighter in color, 
is thick-bodied but more slender, and has one or more black spots, 
the number on the tail ranging from one to eight or ten, and 
without regular arrangement. Sometimes there is an entire absence 
of the spots. Just why it is called the Red Drum, can hardly be 
rightly attributed to its color. Goode says: "The chief objection 
is, that the fish is not always red; in the young, there is not a sug- 
gestion of this color, while in the adult it is more a tint, an evanes- 
cent metallic reflection of claret from the scales, which is often 
abvSent, at all events, soon disappearing after life is gone." 

The biting of the Red Drum does not generally correspond 
with its other vigorous habits, as it is prone to nibble at first as if 
testing the quality of the bait, then coquettes with it, sometimes 
carrying it a yard or more, when the inexperienced angler is apt 
to pull, but it is not safe to do so until he darts away with it at 
great speed. However, Red Drum are so scarce on the coast that 
no instruction need be given for their special capture, and none can 
be as to their particular habitats, except that they are more frequently 
taken in the surf than elsewhere, and occasionally on the shell beds 
in Delaware Ba3\ 

THE SCUPPAUG— PORGY. 

{Stenofonms chrysops.) 

This is an important fish commercially considered, known in 
many places along the coast as the " Scup, " remaining pretty 
much all the year round, though most abundant in June and July. 
Professor Baird says the bigger fish make their appearance first, the 
smaller ones following in graded sizes, the smallest coming last. 
The largest average from two to four pounds, and are said to be 
the breeders. They do not bite readily early in the season, but 
when done spawning, feed vigorously. 



94 

The Scup or Porg}^ feeds upon worms, small crustaceans, mol- 
lusks, etc., taking the bait freeh', the smaller ones becoming very 



/ 



'^\4.A ^ 



^\. 




^ 



'■f'^^ 



The Scuppaug — Porgy. 

annoying at times, Ijecause of their excessive greediness. It is a 
bottom feeder, rarely found in shallow water, and alwaj'S avoids, 
if possible, that which is discolored. 



How TO Fish for Porgy. 

The Porgy is an adroit bait-robber, its sharp perch-like teeth, 
enabling it to purloin that which was intended to be partaken of 
only in connection with the hook. It is most abundant on the 
coast of New England, and in the vicinity of New York, steamers 
carr}' large numbers of fishermen to the Porg}^ banks. They 
are at times equally abundant at points along the Jersey coast, but 
have no particular place for rendezvousing, therefore, it would be 



95 

impossible to designate precisely where they are to be found. If, 
in the course of a da3''s ii.shing, the}^ are met with in considerable 
numbers and you desire to take them, rig 3'our tackle as if for perch, 
cover the point of the small hook well with clam or crab-bait, have 
a pair of snells, swivel sinker, and fish near or on the bottom. 

The flesh of the Porgy is much relished by some, but others 
pronounce it dry and tasteless, its juices being rapidh^ absorbed in 
the cooking ; still it is b}- no means a fish to be despised. 

STRIPED BASS SURF FISHING. 

Under the head of Striped Bass, it was promised that farther 
on. something would be said in regard to the taking of that fine 
fish in salt water. Although the female never deposits her eggs in 
the sea — but in fresh and brackish waters — the finest sport is found 
with this fish along the sea-coast and in the estuaries. It is onl}^ 
within a few j^ears that Striped Bass surf-fishing has become popu- 
lar along the Jerse}^ coast. For j^ears, casting for Striped Bass 
from the rocky shores of the coast North of New York has been 
popular, and it needs not the saying, exciting in the highest 
degree. As that is not within the " near-by " bailiwick, Ave pass it 
by, to give place to the surf-fishing along the coast south of Long 
Branch. 

Some Notable Near-by Pipages. 

The rivalry has been ver}^ strong there, each fisherman being 
anxious to outdo his opponents in efforts to capture the biggest. 
Some of the contestants have had marked success, especially in the 
vicinity of Ke}' East and Asbury Park. At the former place, a 
Striped Bass weighing forty-two pounds was taken with the rod- 
and-reel, and many others of smaller, but still very large size. 
Elsewhere along the coast, handsome surf-catches have been 
reported, and every j^ear the sport becomes more and more popular, 
and the rivalry stronger. 



96 

That it is in the highest degree exciting, is evidenced by the 
zeal and determination displayed by the fishermen, Avho spare 
neither expense nor time in preparing for the contest. Some fish 
all day withont a nibble, others land splendid fellows. 

Tackle for Striped-Bass Sea Fishing. 

The tackle must necessarily be strong and of the best. As long 
casts have to be made, a sinker from two to four ounces, and a stout 
stiff rod are essentials. The rod should not be so stiff as to render 
it unwieldy and awkward to handle. Shedder crab is the most 
taking bait, and as the casts are long and alwa}\s swift, the bait 
should be secured with a stout thread. An eighteen thread Cutty- 
hunk line and a number 6 or 7 Sproat, a number 5 or 6 O'Shaugh- 
nessy or a Limerick of the same number of hook are among the 
requisites. As the fishermen usually stand in the water while 
fishing, hip gum-boots should constitute part of the outfit, together 
wdth a gaff. 

In the EstuxVries. 

Less pretentious but equally satisfactory Striped Bass fishing is 
found in nearly all the estuaries — notably in the shallow creeks or 
thoroughfares in parts of Barnegat Bay, Great Egg Harbor Bay and 
in the vicinity of Townsend's and Hereford Inlets. The best time, 
when the tide suits, is early morning or near sundown in the even- 
ing. The fish do not run as large as those taken in the surf, but 
they are apt to be more plentiful and of sufficient size to insure fine 
sport. Being of wary habits, quiet is essential to success. The 
best season for salt water Striped Bass fishing is from the latter 
part of August until the last of October, though they bite fitfully 
durins: the entire summer. 



^^jlay, 1231 Chestnut Street, 

Sei,ten.ber, PHILADELPHIA. 



Boating, Crabbing and other Summer Pleasures, 

GO TO 

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On the New Jersey Coast, midway between New York and 

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Edward Batchelor, 

If you ^iT\oke, 

TRY 

Batchelor MlW 

Plor DeBatchelor, 
HIGH GRADE and BUMBLE BEE, 

NICKEL CIGARS, 

FACTORY No. 1, 1231 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. 
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h Finest Pishing Grounds on Barnegat Bay. 
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Coaches meet all trains Free. Coaches to and from Boats Free. 



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THE AMERICAN ANGLER. 

Twenty-eight pages; is issued week!}', and each issue contains vaUiable illustrated 
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THE ANGLERS' GUIDE TO THE FISHING WATERS OF THE 
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1158 






Students in attendance last year at 



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COLLEGE is a 
College that 
"vaunteth not it- 
self." What it is 
has not been 
made by any arti- 
ficial means. It 
has grown solely 
by virtue of its 
experienced statt 
of instructors, 
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fitness and adapt- 
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fill, by its wonder- 
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appoin tmen ts, 
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containing Addil1.es'nfF?Pn'i!'"'-^'V.'T''''"''A'' «'^^ « '""Pf' «/ '^' Commencement Proceedings, 
that you mavhelnlrodnc^^^^^ ^"''T'? ^- ^^'^""■^" ^^^^ Robert J. Burdette 

nothing more. Addres?: ' t^^^fa^'isli a speaking acquaintance with it if you do 

THOMA.S MA.Y TEIMCE, M. A., 

PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER. 



The following 

*■ arc extracts 
IVoniaHISTOEYOF 
PHILADELPHIA, 
jiist published. 

"This institu- 
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ceptionally for- 
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It is no marvel 
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College of Busi- 
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It is doubtful if 
very many Phila- 
delphians even 
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and importance 
of its clientage 
and the results of 
its training, out- 
side of the facts 
that may be 
gleaned from the 
roll of students 
a n nual ly pu h- 
lished. 



^ 182 84 i 






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